More than 70 people were arrested during clashes between right-wing and anti-fascist protesters which brought a town centre to a standstill.
Police condemned the violence in Bolton, Lancashire, on Saturday which erupted between supporters of controversial right-wing group The English Defence League (EDL) and Unite Against Fascism (UAF).
Thousands of people took part in a rally in Victoria Square, with at least two police officers and members of the public injured. At least 74 arrests were made, more than 55 from the UAF and nine from the EDL, police said.
Officers said UAF protesters were responsible for most of the trouble - and the organisation's joint secretary, Weyman Bennett, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to organise violent disorder.
Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan, from Greater Manchester Police, who led the policing operation, said his officers faced "a lot of hostility" and "unwarranted attacks", resulting in injuries. He said the EDL had protested by flag-waving and "vitriolic name-calling" but he reserved his criticism for the UAF.
"We have seen groups of people, predominantly associated with the UAF, engaging in violent confrontation," the officer said. "It is clear to me that a large number have attended with the sole intention of committing disorder and their actions have been wholly unacceptable.
A police helicopter flew overhead as hundreds of riot police and mounted officers battled to keep control of the rival groups, using batons and police dogs.
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