'DISGUSTING ABUSE'
Black Lives Matter protests: Shocking moment racist shouts ‘go back to Africa’ and vile Lee Rigby chants
THIS is the shocking moment a racist yelled "go back to Africa"; and aimed Lee Rigby chants at a Black Lives Matter protest.
The peaceful protest against the death of US man George Floyd had to stop as a large crowd launched into their vile tirade.
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Sickening footage shows the jeering group separated from the BLM activists by a line of police at the rally in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire yesterday.
They can be heard yelling "why don't you go back to Africa then" before chanting "there's only one Lee Rigby", reports.
Other footage shows the crowd chanting "you're fat and you know you are" at one of the speakers.
Demi-Leigh Sheahan, who shared the clips online, said: "Personally, what I find so disgusting and frightening about these videos is, firstly, that ending racism has somehow become a controversial topic.
"People from Hoddesdon and surrounding areas have gone out of their way during a global pandemic to oppose the BLM protesters and with such vile and derogatory language.
"Regardless whether you support the riots or not, I would find it hard to believe that you would be comfortable with a fully grown adult man shouting 'get your t**s out' at your daughter, mother, sister, friend or even just anyone you know."
VILE ABUSE
The abuse came as hundreds of people gathered in Hertfordshire to support the important cause.
It is understood the group yelling at the protesters may have attended the rally to protect the town's war memorial after a number of statues were defaced across the UK.
But they then turned and some began spewing racist remarks at the demonstrators.
More than 100,000 people descended on 200 rallies over the weekend for a largely peaceful Black Lives Matter protest against the death of George Floyd in the US.
A string of celebrities were also spotted at the rallies with Anthony Joshua, Stormzy, Rio Ferdinand and Madonna all supporting the demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday.
Thousands marched on the US Embassy in London on Sunday in response to Floyd's death in Minneapolis last month.
Activists in face masks held placards reading "I can't breathe" to echo his after white police officer Derek Chauvin held him down by kneeling on his neck.
Others took a knee in solidarity with those of who have accused police of brutality and racism on a global scale.
The densely-packed crowd also broke out into chants of "enough is enough" as they highlighted the major issues around the world.
The rallies have been mostly been peaceful but the government confirmed there were 135 arrests in relation to the London protests and 35 officers were injured - including a female cop thrown from her horse.
A number of monuments have also been defaced - with a Winston Churchill statue daubed with the word "racist" in London.
Figures of slave traders - including Edward Colston in Bristol - have also been toppled or vandalised - with Sadiq Khan now demanding the statues be taken down.
Hertfordshire Police have slammed the vile actions at the protest.
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Assistant Chief Constable Bill Jephson said: “We understand that people of all ethnicities, throughout Hertfordshire and beyond rightly feel horrified about the death of George Floyd in America.
“We as a Constabulary stand shoulder to shoulder with those across the country, and indeed the world, who are both saddened and angered by the way Mr Floyd lost his life on the 25th of May.
“We will always challenge discrimination and racism wherever we find it and investigate crime reported to us and are taking action as a result of what happened in Hoddesdon yesterday."
Lee Rigby's mum speaks out
Fusilier Lee was slaughtered outside his barracks in Woolwich in 2013 - with some asking why there wasn't as strong a reaction to his death as there has been for Floyd.
Speaking on the Lee Rigby Foundation Facebook page, Lyn wrote: "As a foundation and a family we are aware of a number of posts using images of Lee and his murder in a divisive way to fuel arguments against the Black Lives Matter protests.
"Lee proudly served his country to protect the rights and freedoms of all members of this great melting pot of a nation.
"Seeing his image used to cause hate of any kind especially for those exercising their freedoms in protest against this issue hurts.
"We find these post extremely heartbreaking and distressing and in complete opposition to what Lee stood for.
"We ask you all to please stop using his image and memory in such posts as he was a lover of all of humanity. Every race, gender, creed, sexuality and colour.
"So seeing such use of his name harms not only his family but his legacy and memory.
"Our thoughts and support goes out to George Floyd's friends and family at this tragic time. We wish you all love and peace at this time."
Row erupts between people trying to protect Churchill monument in Parliament Square and Black Lives Matter protesters
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