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Nathan Poole, 32, was one of 300 people involved in a disorder in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, on August 3, 2024.
He shouted abuse and argued with police officers tasked with keeping the opposing protesters apart.
Following the unrest, Poole has now been jailed for 30 months.
Prosecutor Clare Harris told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court: "Three hundred people took part in the disorder.
"The Crown's case is this defendant played an active role, sometimes at the forefront.
"He showed up at four separate locations - Cannon Place, Lichfield Street, Potteries Way and Town Road.
"In Cannon Place a police cordon was in place to prevent the protesters from entering Shelton.
"He was recording events on his phone and chanted with the crowd.
"He was outside the town hall where police were present to keep the opposing protesters apart. He was arguing with officers.
"He was chanting, 'scum', and, 'who the f**k is Allah', towards the counter-protesters."
The prosecutor continued: "Later, in Town Road, the defendant was at the front of the crowd shouting abuse towards police while others were throwing missiles towards the police and counter-protesters."
Poole, of St Bernard's Road, Knutton, claimed to have acted lawfully when he was interviewed by police. However he later pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
The court was told Poole works for a tarmac company and leads junior staff, StokeonTrentLive reports.
Martin Bloor, mitigating, said: "He deeply regrets his decision to become involved in this incident.
"He heard about the protest in a barber's. He believed it was going to be a peaceful protest.
"He attended out of curiosity to see what was happening.
"He had no intent to get involved in violence or cause any violence. Unfortunately the incident got out of hand very quickly."
Mr Bloor added: "A large number of people were involved on both sides.
"He is a mature man. He should have removed himself from that situation.
"There was no clear evidence that he was physically involved. He did not attack the police.
"He could not be seen to throw any missiles. He did not damage any property.
"He knows that by shouting the comments that he made that he was part of that incident and played an active part in that incident.
"He is extremely ashamed at his behaviour. He knows his foolish actions on that day are not only going to impact him, but his family."
Judge Richard McConaghy found Poole had displayed 'hostility towards Islam' and told the defendant: "The protest took place in and around Town Road and it descended into violence.
"Police in riot gear attempted to try to keep the peace. But the violence continued.
"Threats were made with weapons. Some had been brought to the scene, others were picked up there.
"Missiles such as bricks were thrown. Pieces of wood were picked up and brandished.
Members of the public and police were injured. Public safety and public order were put under severe threat.
"You were an active participant. You now accept your presence worsened the situation.
"You were encouraging others. You found your way to the front of the police line.
You were abusive and argumentative with police officers while others were throwing missiles over their heads.
"It is right to say there is no evidence that you threw a missile or that you were an architect of any of the pushing.
"But you were seen in different locations. You were being bullish and shouted, 'Who the f*** is Allah' at the other group.
"The main location was the mosque and your specific chants in relation to Allah made it quite clear your involvement was hostility towards Islam."
