As criticism mounted over the way the demonstration was handled, Chief Constable Sims defended his officers and said “the people of Birmingham rose above the provocation by the English Defence League (EDL)”.
A total of 90 people were arrested on Saturday afternoon as members of anti-Islamic extremist EDL group clashed on the streets with Unite Against Facism (UAF) protestors.
The arrests were approximately 50:50 of people attached to both groups, and police were today targeting other trouble makers behind the mob violence that hit Birmingham city centre for the second time in a month.
Expressing pride in the officers involved in the policing operation, Mr Sims said: “Firmly policed, EDL elements from across the country showed their true colours and some 45 of their number were arrested.
“The communities of Birmingham and members of UAF did not dignify the EDL by offering a formal counter protest.
“They sent an unmistakable message to those who seek to gnaw away at the foundations of our vibrant, multi-cultural city.
“This left English Defence League members frustrated and isolated.”
Mr Sims said his only regret was that some opposed to the views of the EDL also “chose to use the day as an excuse for disorder” and an equal number were arrested.
He added: “I sincerely hope Birmingham does not have to experience another event of this kind.
“The groundwork with religious groups, youth organisations and politicians played a major part in ensuring the bonds of community cohesion remain unbroken today.”
However, Respect Party leader and councillor for Sparkbrook, Salma Yaqoob, claimed the people of Birmingham had been let down by the city council and West Midlands Police.
“The EDL came to Birmingham for one reason only: to spread hatred and division,” she said.
“They should never have been allowed to stir up trouble on the streets of our city centre. Everybody has the right to freedom of speech but nobody has the right to incite racial or religious hatred.
“Unless firm action is taken to tackle these hooligans, these scenes will be repeated again and again in our city centre.
“I do not want to see violence on our streets. This must not be allowed to happen again.”
Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood had earlier criticised the police operation and called for an inquiry into their handling of it.
He said: “West Midlands Police have had four weeks to plan for this but they have failed innocent members of the public in Birmingham city centre.”
But insisting that his officers had handled the situation well, Mr Sims said: “I have to weigh the rights of individuals to peacefully protest against the hurt and inconvenience such events can cause.”
He added that a “joint deterrent of a resolute police force and united community” would win out.
