Many of the people in attendance probably didn’t feel they had a better recourse for expressing their views publicly: this was their most viable opportunity to be seen on the streets, and they did so with an understanding that there were bound to be some views expressed that they don’t fully condone, and that, for all its flaws, and occasional friendless mean-spirited souls who had brought offensive placards, they were there on balance, partner at their side, even pushing a pram, to make their voice heard about an issue that matters to them.

There is no “on balance” with racism. If you know the protest is being organised by racists, will be attended by racists and will have racist speakers, you don’t get to turn up and say “but I’m not a racist I’m here for some other reason”. And you can’t tell me these people went in completely blind, the problems with this protest were all over mainstream and social media beforehand. What kind of person sees/hears about racist red flags and decides to attend anyway? We have a word for them.