Logic can get you into trouble, and if you open your eyes for a moment you'll see it is actually you who is using logic, not me.
Logic is used by the simple mind to understand a complex environment.
I don't use logic, I see events for what they are.
If you think localised acts of disorder is a riot then boy are you in for a shock when you see a proper riot in the streets of London.
---------- Post added at 09:23 ---------- Previous post was at 09:18 ----------
Wow, what a blinkered perception you have.
The REASON it didn't escalate, wasn't because of the police, it was becase...wait for it....most of the protesters were there for peaceful protest and had no interest in any violenc whatsoever !
The rioters became violent AFTER the kettle, and broke out of the last demo kettle early on in the evening. The only people left in the kettle (till as late as 1 am) were peaceful demonstrators.