A PROVOCATIVE march through Derry in protest against the prosecution of “Soldier F” over the 1972 Bloody Sunday killings has been scrapped amid claims by the organiser it was never intended to take place.

Justice for Northern Ireland Veterans spokesman Alan Barry backed down following outrage from the victims’ families after initially claiming not to care who the march offends.

His humiliating climbdown comes as republican group Saoradh vowed not to allow the “grotesque gathering” to enter the city to celebrate the killing of 14 unarmed civilians nearly 50 years ago.

Mr Barry denied calling the march off under pressure, claiming it was announced just to “show how bitter” the people of Derry were about the Bloody Sunday killings.

“Have you ever heard the phrase squaddie humour? It was a ploy and a strategy to make the dissidents show the true bitterness that still exists, how they don’t want to let sleeping dogs lie. 

“It was all a ploy to show how bitter Derry still is. I couldn’t care less what republicans think of it,” he said.

Mr Barry said the march would now take place in London, although did not give a time or place for the rescheduled protest.