Glasgow Delivery Driver Says He Is 'Too Scared To Work' After Racist Abuse and Traffic-Cone Attack

Muhammad Jawad Yaqoob, a 31-year-old delivery driver, says he is too frightened to leave his home or return to work after anti-immigration protesters shouted racist abuse and one person threw a traffic cone at him during a large demonstration in Glasgow.

What Happened

Yaqoob had just collected an order from the Palm Tree Kitchen on Bridge Street on Saturday afternoon when a crowd of demonstrators passed, chanting "get them out". Footage circulating on social media shows a group of young men shouting racial insults at him before one throws an orange traffic cone in his direction. The clip captures people cheering as Yaqoob runs away and takes shelter inside a nearby restaurant.

Police Scotland said it is investigating the incident. Officers made 15 arrests in relation to other episodes of disorder that took place across the city the same day, where some individuals — many masked — were reported to have targeted people because of their skin colour.

Victim's Reaction

"Now I am so scared, I am upset," Yaqoob said. "I haven't been able to go back to my work since the incident. I am fearful it will happen again but I have bills to pay so I can't just sit at home."

Yaqoob, who moved to Glasgow from Pakistan, said he had generally found Scotland welcoming, but that this experience left him shaken. He added that he returned to the restaurant to request CCTV footage after the attack, but was told there was none; he reported the incident to the police and later discovered the video had been widely shared online, including in his home country.

Many of those involved in the trouble in Glasgow on Saturday attempted to cover their faces [PA Media]

Official Response

Police described the day as involving "disparate groups" engaged in acts of violence, disorder, intimidation and hate-motivated offences at various locations, coinciding with the opening weekend of the Commonwealth Games. The force said about 1,700 people attended and an operation had been put in place to support public safety and minimise disruption.

Dr Zubir Ahmed, Labour MP for Glasgow South West, welcomed the police response and has requested an urgent meeting with Justice Secretary Neil Gray to discuss strengthening community safety. Dr Ahmed warned that residents in one of Scotland's most diverse communities now feel hesitant about going outside.

Justice Secretary Neil Gray condemned the scenes, praised Police Scotland's actions and reiterated that those responsible will be brought to justice. He noted the Scottish government is investing £1.7bn in policing this year and said police had the resources needed to respond to the incidents.

Next Steps

Police warned that further arrests are expected as inquiries continue into the disturbances that accompanied the protests. Community leaders and officials have called for stronger measures to protect residents and to address the wider tensions that surfaced during the events.