Dundee City West MSP Joe FitzPatrick said: “I am concerned and alarmed that the so-called Scottish Defence League has applied to hold a gathering in Dundee on a Saturday in May.

“Previous events elsewhere involving the SDL have caused mayhem and the resources of Tayside Police are better spent dealing with crime than being squandered dealing with the possible trouble that could accompany such an event.

“These extreme right-wing groups are not welcome in Dundee which has strong community relations.”

Shona Robison MSP for Dundee City East said: “The SDL and the EDL have been at the centre of violent clashes which have caused public alarm and raised real concerns for public safety.

“Dundee has a long history of mutual tolerance and an enviable record of community harmony of which we are rightly proud.

“Saturdays during the football season already stretch the resources of Tayside Police and they would not welcome an event of this kind which could provoke public disorder.”