Photos from the weekend’s far-right ‘Football Lad’ rally
- Text by Dominique Sisley
- Photography by Theo McInnes
On Saturday afternoon, supporters of the Democratic Football Lads’ Alliance (DFLA) swarmed the streets of London for a far-right demonstration.
The march, which began in Park Lane, saw hundreds of mostly middle-aged, white football fans rally across the capital. According to Facebook, they were gathering to protest against the “returning jihadists,” “rape gangs and groomers” and “thousands of AWOL migrants” they believe are living in the UK.
While the demonstration was supposed to reach Whitehall, things quickly took a violent turn halfway through, leading the police to forcibly blockade the protestors on Pall Mall. Scuffles then began to break out between the police and the angry racist lads, with one reportedly threatening to murder an officer.
Thankfully, the march was also blocked by scores of counter-protestors – approximately 2,000 to the DFLA’s 1,500 – who were out in force to take a stand against the far right. This included groups from Stand Up To Racism, Unite Against Fascism and Momentum, as well as Antifa and Women’s Strike.
In a joint statement, Jeremy Corbyn and Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott praised the efforts of these counter groups: “Congratulations on today’s demonstration standing up against racism and far-right extremism,” they said.
“We’re in solidarity with all those around the world standing up to oppose racism and to support the diversity of our communities. We’re proud to walk in the traditions of anti-racism campaigners and activists. Your fight is our fight.”
Follow Theo McInnes on Instagram.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
A stark, confronting window into the global cocaine trade
Sangre Blanca — Mads Nissen’s new book is a close-up look at various stages of the drug’s journey, from production to consumption, and the violence that follows wherever it goes.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Venice Biennale will not award artists from Israel & Russia due to war crime accusations
Art Not Genocide — Both countries will still be allowed to exhibit work at their respective pavilions, but be excluded from judging considerations, as they have leaders facing arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court.
Written by: Noah Petersons
Confronting America’s history of violence against student protest
Through A Mirror, Darkly — In May 1970, two separate massacres at American college campuses saw deaths at the hands of the state. Naeem Mohaiemen’s new three-channel film memorialises the brutality.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Kneecap, Brian Eno, Erika de Casier sign Eurovision boycott letter protesting Israel’s involvement
No Music For Genocide — It calls upon the European Broadcasting Union to ban Israel from the upcoming competition, which is set to take place in Vienna between May 12 and May 14. Other signatories include Massive Attack, Hot Chip and Nadine Shah.
Written by: Sydney Lobe
“Madness can be overcome”: Robert Del Naja releases statement after Palestine Action arrest
“Small price to pay” — The Massive Attack frontman was one of more than 500 people detained on Saturday on suspicion of supporting Palestine Action, a group that has been banned under the Terrorism Act 2000 by the UK government.
Written by: Ella Glossop
Defiant photos of New York’s ’80s & ’90s queer activists
Arresting Images — Dona Ann McAdams’ photographs document the AIDS crisis, lesbian organising and civil disobedience from one of the most fraught eras in American LGBTQ+ history. A sale of her archive takes place later this month.
Written by: Sydney Lobe
