Interesting perspective, but I don't think it's a very sensible way to go about protecting someone and even so, only the most unreasonable of unreasonable people would want to do more to him that bop him on the nose for his silly comment.
I think you underestimate the stupidity of the general populace.
Had the Police not intervened and effectively placed him under house arrest I am convinced Dewsbury would be mourning the loss of another life.
Tensions are bad enough as it is.