For the second time in a week, members of the far-right, anti-Islamist United Patriots Front have clashed with anti-racism protesters in Melbourne.
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But unlike last Sunday's violent clash at Melton, Saturday's duelling demonstrations near State Parliament remained relatively peaceful.
About 150 members of the UPF and about the same number from No Room for Racism squared off about midday near Spring Street.
Protest has shifted to Parliament. Anti-racism group has taken to steps. UPF huddled nearby. @9NewsMelb pic.twitter.com/RYJpyGqgjy— Andrew Nelson (@Andrew_Nelson9)
November 28, 2015
The UPF rally had intended to begin at 1pm but it was brought forward after word got out that the No Room for Racism members were gathering at 12.30pm.
There was an urgent sprint from behind Parliament House in a bid by the No Room for Racism crowd to meet the UPF members.
But the flash-in-the-pan demonstration was almost over before it really began, with word the anti-Muslim UPF had retreated to an area near St Vincent's hospital shortly after 1pm.
Hundreds sing "You will always lose in Melbourne" chant with news ~30 fascist UPF are disassembling #antifa pic.twitter.com/o4EiWQOrBM— Con Oilseed (@conoilseed)
November 28, 2015
Riot police gathered in the shade of the trees and the mounted police parked in front of them.
They then moved on to the apron of Parliament House as the No Room for Racism crowd gathered on the steps to shout and gloat. After a few minutes the riot police retreated once more to the shade.
Looking a little out of place, a wedding party wanting to take photos on the steps pulled back.
A young Englishman said the idea was to push fascism off the streets but felt sorry for the wedding party.
Police said the crowd was mostly well behaved, except for one member of No Room for Racism who threw a can of soft drink at police.
No other serious incidents were reported.
