More than 30 people were arrested yesterday after thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in rival race protests in Manchester. 'Supporters of the English Defence League, an alliance of football supporters and far-right activists, were involved in skirmishes with police and a number of counter demonstrators from Unite Against Fascism in Piccadilly Gardens, near the city centre. Police issued a stern message to troublemakers. Chief Superintendent Gerry Donnellan, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "If people come to Manchester to protest they are legally entitled to do so. If you are going to come to Manchester and think you can get away with shouting racist, inflammatory remarks, you can expect us to respond." The EDL denies it is racist and insists on its website that it is a "multi-ethnic, multi-faith organisation".' [Just like the BNP. What a coincidence.]
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