Celtic fans’ police protest: What could go wrong?

By Liam Doherty

I know this will be unpopular, but someone has to say it. Let me give you some background.

I was involved in student politics, back when my socialist values were still evolving, and the sheer complexity of politics was becoming increasingly clear to me. In those days, more of us seemed politically engaged, genuinely believing in our power to change the world for the better. There was a real sense of excitement, camaraderie, and solidarity – and attending demonstrations was part of that package.

Then one day, at a planning meeting, a guy – let’s call him Dan – floated one of his provocative ideas. Dan was the type who always had the radical suggestions, yet somehow always stayed safely at the back when things kicked off. His proposal was plainly illegal, and a few with more experiences heads objected immediately. 

They warned that it would inevitably lead to demonstrators being arrested, probably beaten up, as had happened before. Dan shrugged it off, suggesting that a few people getting arrested or roughed up would be "a good thing." It would spark anger, grab attention, and highlight how serious the issue was.

For Dan a few people – who weren't Dan – being lifted and battered would be a wake-up call.

A short debate, ended in Dan’s idea being dismissed – to his obvious anger. But it was a real eye-opener for me. Until then, I'd naively assumed that demos were just about exercising our right to protest peacefully. It had never crossed my mind that someone would deliberately set up their fellow protesters to face arrest or worse.

I could so have been one of those trusting, well-meaning demonstrators caught up in someone else's plan to kick off trouble. From then, I made it my personal responsibility to understand exactly what I'm getting into when attending demonstrations – or anything else, for that matter. 

No matter how noble the organisers or the intentions behind the event, there's always the risk of things spiralling out of control. (No one wants to hear that, I know, this is the day we rebel.) When that happens, you’re better off knowing precisely what your rights are – and just as importantly, what they’re not.

That's the tricky thing about rights. Everyone thinks they understand them, but usually there's a significant gap between perception and reality. And all too often, that gap gets exploited – sometimes by people within the protest itself, other times by the police or other authorities.

Which brings us to the planned protest at London Road police station. To be clear: the issues behind this protest are very real, and they absolutely deserve to be addressed. I sincerely hope the event passes off peacefully. But whether that actually happens is anyone’s guess.

Police Scotland will undoubtedly argue elements of the protest are illegal – especially regarding laws around processions. (And no, saying "what about Orange Walks?" isn't a valid legal argument.) 

If Police Scotland choose confrontation – and I fear there's a real risk they might – certain elements within the crowd will enthusiastically welcome it. Crowds have a notorious habit of behaving in ways individual members wouldn't dream of on their own.

There’s also widespread misunderstanding of exactly what's required to hold a legal procession in Scotland. It any part of the demo is deemed a procession, it will also be deemed unlawful as it clearly hasn't been arranged with 28 days notice. 

There's also a high probably that it will be considered to be obstructing the police. (I'll say it now - whoever came up with the idea of holding a mass protest at a police station is an idiot.)

Likewise, freedom of speech has limits – expressing sympathy for any group classified by the UK government as terrorist can land you with up to 14 years in prison. How many attending will know they could face years behind bars simply for waving the wrong flag?

Social media has been awash with enthusiastic support from some high-profile bloggers, heavy on rhetoric but notably light on facts. Passion is commendable – but misinformation can be dangerous. (I’ll be expecting to see these bloggers on the front line.)

If you choose to attend this protest, by all means do so to highlight important issues. But think carefully about your actions, your responsibilities, and the very real risks involved. You could have a long, lonely time to regret it if you don't.

If that happens, I hope being fodder for bloggers and podcasters will bring you some comfort.