Fight between Sons of Odin and True Blue Crew at anti-Islam rally

(AhlulBayt News Agency) - A fight broke out and violent slurs were exchanged between two groups of anti-Islam protesters at a rally in Victoria.

A group of True Blue Crew members confronted the Sons of Odin at the 100-strong anti-Islam rally and barbecue at Hannah Watts Park in Melton, west of Melbourne reported Nine News.

There was a heavy police presence at the event on Sunday, where people were searched for weapons.

The groups gathered to protest against what they say is a growing Muslim population in Melbourne's west.

Protesters who were wearing Australian flags, masks and signs, said they wanted to halt the spread of Islam in their area, and across the nation.

They claimed Islam a 'barbaric ideology that isn’t welcome in Australia'.

United Patriots Front leader Blair Cottrell told supporters: 'You’re either Australian or a bloody enemy and you can get out.'

One member, Paul, who did not wish to give his last name, told Nine News the True Blue Crew 'represents the Australian way of life'.  

Protesters later marched to the Melton City Council chanting 'whose streets, our streets'.

Opposition leader Bill Shorten condemned the rally and said the views of the groups were taking Australia 'down the wrong path and the wrong direction'.   

'Australia's a diverse country and I don't believe in fermenting religious paranoia or hatred,' Mr Shorten told reporters on Sunday.

'That's not the way this country works together.'  





/129