A LABOUR MSP has said he will be "looking into" concerns raised around how police in Glasgow today treated peaceful protesters at a pro-refugee rally.

The protesters, who had previously been heard chanting "Say it loud. Say it clear. Refugees are welcome here!", were identified as "football risk supporters" according to a police statement. 

However, James Kelly MSP tweeted: "I am picking up concerns with the way the peaceful protest in George Square has been handled by the police.

"I will be looking into this matter and will raise any legitimate concerns with the police."

Chief Superintendent Alan Murray, who was the policing lead in George Square, said: "We identified a group as football risk supporters, who we believed posed a threat to public safety. We spoke with this group and, at their request, escorted them to the Gallowgate area of the city where they dispersed."

However, the small group of around 20 Loyalists demonstrators stood "guarding" the Glasgow cenotaph were not moved on or asked to leave. 

The kettled group were heard chanting "No Justice, No Peace" as they were herded down towards Trongate, one of Glasgow's oldest streets. 

Doubts have been cast on the veracity of the police's statement that the rally "posed a threat to public safety" by a range of protesters in attendance.

One protester, who asked not to be named, told The National that there were football fans present, as the police reported.

However, he said they had only turned out to protect the peaceful refugee protesters from any violence expected from Loyalists.

Many others online, including journalist Eve Livingston, have asked why peaceful, anti-racism protesters were kettled when the same tactic was not used against the far-right Loyalists inciting violence over the past week. 

Activist Rory Maclean tweeted: "Disgraceful kettling of peaceful anti-racists by Glasgow police today.

"Forcing us close together when we were social distancing. Yet happy to let the fascists run a mock on Wednesday."

It seems the online voices are echoing those heard at the protest, as journalist Niall Christie reported those being kettled were shouting: "Where were you on Wednesday?" at the officers.