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.
Latest on Huck
The party starters fighting to revive Stonehenge’s Solstice Free Festival
Free the Stones! delves into the vibrant community that reignites Stonehenge’s Solstice Free Festival, a celebration suppressed for nearly four decades.
Written by: Laura Witucka
Hypnotic Scenes of 90s London Nightlife
Legendary photographer Eddie Otchere looks back at this epic chapter of the capital’s story in new photobook ‘Metalheadz, Blue Note London 1994–1996’
Written by: Miss Rosen
The White Pube: “Artists are skint, knackered and sharing the same 20 quid”
We caught up with the two art rebels to chat about their journey, playing the game that they hate, and why anarchism might be the solution to all of art’s (and the wider world’s) problems.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The Chinese youth movement ditching big cities for the coast
In ’Fissure of a Sweetdream’ photographer Jialin Yan documents the growing number of Chinese young people turning their backs on careerist grind in favour of a slower pace of life on Hainan Island.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The LGBT Travellers fundraising for survival
This Christmas, Traveller Pride are raising money to continue supporting LGBT Travellers (used inclusively) across the country through the festive season and on into next year, here’s how you can support them.
Written by: Percy Henderson
The fight to save Bristol’s radical heart
As the city’s Turbo Island comes under threat activists and community members are rallying round to try and stop the tide of gentrification.
Written by: Ruby Conway