Chilling football hooligan Whatsapps expose plot to disrupt pro-Palestine march

10 November 2023 , 20:47

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There are fears of clashes by the Cenotaph this weekend (Image: PA)

Vile messages posted on football hooligan chat groups show thugs are planning to attack pro-Palestinian demonstrators in London.

The Hope Not Hate campaign group yesterday reported dozens of racist posts and threats from right-wing Whatsapp groups to the police. They include discussions on how to ambush protestors, posts calling Muslims “vermin” and “scum”, and links on where to buy crossbows.

HNH said some of the groups have doubled in numbers in the past seven days. The groups are awash with vile Islamophobia, including a photo of Hitler saying he should have “chosen Muslims” to exterminate.

One member wrote: “It’s time to show these ***** what our country is about. They think they can come over here and run amok on our beloved country? Let’s get amongst these ***** and show who’s in charge.”

Vile comments in a Whatsapp group

When a member posted a link to a page selling crossbows, another said: “Let’s shoot the f***ing lot of them… it’s war. For our children and country.” HNH chief Nick Lowles said: “This has not been helped by Suella Braverman. We need our politicians to call for calm and ease tensions.”

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It comes as police are preparing for the biggest remembrance weekend security operation ever with hundreds of thousands of protesters expected to take to the streets on Saturday.

Dozens of racist posts have been made

More than 2,000 officers from the Metropolitan Police and other UK forces will be on duty during a "really difficult weekend for policing", the force said. The plan covers both Armistice and remembrance events as well as a significant march by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: "We know that the protest has caused significant concerns across many communities and it's because that protest is taking place on armistice day. That has generated significant public discussion and all of that discussion, the context around the protest, is what makes this a particularly challenging and tense weekend."

There are fears that there could be clashes this weekend

The police have set up exclusion zones covering the Cenotaph, Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade, the Westminster Abbey Field of Remembrance and other relevant areas. In a statement the Met Police said: "Throughout Saturday and Sunday almost 2,000 officers from the Met and other UK forces will be on duty across central London as part of a major policing operation.

"This weekend is one of national significance and importance. The ceremonial events taking place will draw thousands as the country reflects and pays its respects. Each year we deliver a huge security operation across Remembrance weekend, but this year’s is far greater and more complex than we’ve delivered before."

Pro-Palestinian protesters have agreed to avoid the Cenotaph and Whitehall and police will attempt to keep them separate from far-right demonstators. Specialist spotters will monitor social media, CCTV and drone footage to make real time assessments of any offences being committed.

Officers from the Met's mounted branch and marine unit will be deployed alongside search teams with dogs. Physical barriers are being erected to help separate protestors. Tommy Robinson, the founder of the now-defunct English Defence League, has called for "young English men" to stage counter protests in London this weekend. Mr Taylor said: "It's likely there will be some groups from both sides who will likely seek each other out later on in the day."

Mirror.co.uk