Ton, there are undoubtedly some troublemakers, tis is true. But I’m watching the BBC coverage, and it does appear that the police are provoking violence. This is what the BBC are saying, actually. And the footage does show police pushing the crowds back. Apparently, many people now want to leave the area, but are being prevented from doin so.
You may not agree with their point of view, but they have the right to protest. As did the Miners, the Dockers, the Jarrow Hunger Marchers, the Print workers, etc.
Do you honestly believe the Police want a riot?
It would serve the police’s and the government’s interests, to have ugly scenes of violence and civil unrest. This would undoubtedly precipitate further restrictions on rights to protest, as new laws banning protests would seem more justified.
They’ve spent millions on this operation. Of course they want a ruck!