A Birmingham bar has been forced by police to house EDL members before a city centre rally this weekend – for the second time in two years.

Bar Risa has now reluctantly agreed to the request, despite violent scenes elsewhere in the city during last summer’s protest after hundreds of the supporters had been housed inside the Broad Street venue.

A spokesman told the Mail: “We have been asked by the police to host the EDL during their protest as they wanted to contain them in one bar in order to help keep the streets of Birmingham safe.

“We very firmly said no and asked them to find an alternative venue. We did this because we do not, have not and will never support the EDL in any way, shape or form. In addition, we know how much it upset some of the local community last year, and having helped the police last time, it seemed right that they ask someone else.

“The police have since asked us several times and we have continually said no. The police stance however is that Risa is the only bar big enough and close enough to the centre of the protest to house the EDL as one group. Their view is that Risa would be doing the city of Birmingham, the community and the police a great service.

“Given the repeated police requests we had little option other than to help the police manage this situation. We have therefore decided to help, but will not be making any profits from hosting this group.

“As we did last year, we will donate all profits made during the time they are with us to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. Last year this sum was £1,500. Before making this decision, we discussed the situation with the local community leaders who are currently assisting West Midlands Police in their planning for the EDL protest, and we have their full support.”

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From left, Shane Williams, Paul McKenzie, Thomas Wilkie and Andrew Edge

Police were injured and property damaged as English Defence League members tried to break through a police cordon in Birmingham to get at counter demonstrators, a court heard.

The violence occurred on July 20 last year by EDL demonstrators “only concerned in causing public disorder,” it was claimed. Thomas Wilkie, 22, of Kent Road, Wednesbury, Paul Mckenzie, 48, of Braemar Road, Billingham, Cleveland, Andrew Edge, 44, of Wellington Road, South Stockport and Shane Williams, 26, of Dragon Lane, Leicester, all denied a charge of violent disorder.

David Bennett, prosecuting at Birmingham Crown Court, said around 1,800 EDL supporters had gathered outside Bar Risa by 1pm on the day of the demonstration.

“Officers had become concerned at this stage given the numbers. There were also members of the public with views opposing those of the EDL and there were verbal confrontations,” he said. “It was then decided that the police would move on the demonstrators to Centenary Square. That is when the trouble really began.”

Mr Bennett said there were a number of EDL demonstrators peacefully listening to speeches being given on a stage outside the Birmingham Rep. “But there were a large number of EDL demonstrators who were not really interested in peaceful demonstration at all and only concerned in causing public disorder, despite being given numerous warning by the police,” he said.

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A racist yob shouted vile obscenities at a pizza shop owner after the businessman offered him a tissue to wipe his blooded nose.

Craig Anthony Owens was outside Fatso’s Pizzeria, in York Road, Hartlepool, and was drunk. Hartlepool Magistrates’ Court heard the 29-year-old had a cut to his nose which was bleeding. The owner of the take-away, Maboob Hussain, came out of the shop and offered the defendant some tissue paper to stem the bleeding. But it was then that the tirade of abuse started.

Prosecuting, Joanne Hesse, said: “The incident occurred about 9.30pm and the defendant was drunk at the time. The defendant had a cut to his nose which was bleeding and the shop owner came outside and offered him some tissue paper to help clean up the blood. The defendant became abusive and aggressive towards Mr Hussain.

“He was swearing and saying things like ‘why would I take that off you, you Muslim, you’re not British’. Mr Hussain asked him to move away from the shop, to which Owens shouted ‘why should I leave I’m British’. There were other members of public present too.”

The court heard how Owens also shouted derogatory terms about Allah.

Mrs Hesse also read an extract from Mr Hussain’s victim impact statement, which said: “I’ve worked in Hartlepool for many years and this is the worst abuse I’ve had.”

The defendant, of Bruce Crescent, in the West View area of Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour which was racially aggravated on September 14.

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