Protesters clashed in the multicultural Melbourne suburb of Coburg this morning, with riot police working to separate scuffles between members of both anti-Islam group United Patriots Front and anti-racist protesters repping NO To Racism.
Not sure this guy could be classified as ‘extreme left’ #coburg pic.twitter.com/kVrLdhVwQu
— Miki Perkins (@perkinsmiki) May 28, 2016
The anti-racist contingent were reportedly chanting “Nazi scum, off our streets” and pelting the rightwing demonstrators with oranges. This all came after UPF meathead leader Blair Cottrell – who has been accused of association with Nazism even before the rise of his organisation – said that he would use “force and terror” against opponents.
Two people were apparently arrested during the clash.
Fascist mob on Bell St; two lines of police separate them from #antifa. A no of folks have been OC sprayed. #Coburg
— Andy Fleming (@slackbastard) May 28, 2016
Clashes between anti-racist groups and the numerous splinter groups associated the far right have been more common in recent months, with the continuous internal drama of the UPF and its satellite organisations (seriously, 99% of their Facebook is sooking about other ‘patriots’) – not stopping them from making appearances.
Police had earlier warned that they would not tolerate violence at this planned rally – and they were out in force, with reports that a number of people were pepper sprayed.
Source: News.com.au.
Photo: Getty Images.
