Cops made no arrests after massive protests in Glasgow - but a top police officer has said known football groups were on both sides.
Missiles were thrown amid clashes between protesters who said they were there to 'guard' the city's statues in the city centre and counter-demonstrators.
A mass rally had initially been set up to call for the removal of the statue of former Prime Minster and founder of the Metropolitan Police Sir Robert Peel by the Glasgow Youth Art Collective - which was later cancelled.
But a group called the Loyalist Defence League urged its supporters to watch over it and hundreds descended on George Square today.
Missiles were thrown between two groups and cops in riot gear had to separate the sides.
Police Scotland has said no arrests were made today - but that 'known football risk groups'- had been identified on both sides.
Chief Superintendent Alan Murray said: "A sizeable number of individuals identified as being from various groups gathered in George Square this morning with a stated intention of protecting statues.
"Throughout the day, police officers were required to intervene due to the presence of opposing groups to maintain order and public safety.
"Both factions included known football risk groups.
"There have been no arrests in connection with the event today.
"As is usual with events of this nature, a review will take place and should any criminality be identified appropriate action will be taken."
The demonstrations come after rising tensions following protests linked to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement across the UK.
Many statues, often with links to the slave trade, have been defaced by activists which has prompted often ring-wing groups to guard the monuments.
There have been violent clashes between police and protesters in England.
Earlier, Nicola Sturgeon branded the violent clashes as " utterly shameful ".
At the daily coronavirus press briefing, the Nicola Sturgeon added: "Violent protest is never acceptable.
"I say to anyone that has found themselves on the streets of Glasgow in an altercation with other groups or with the police, that they should really take a long hard look at themselves.
"That is not acceptable behaviour at any time, but at this time of crisis that the country faces, I think it's particularly shameful behaviour."
