A violent brawl erupted between rival protesters at an anti-racism rally in Melbourne's inner-north on Saturday. Punches were thrown, kicks landed and flags used as weapons as far-right supporters and left-wing demonstrators clashed on the front lawn of Coburg Primary School in Bell Street.  The brawl lasted about 30 seconds and involved a significant number of people. Police, including officers on horseback, separated the rival groups and at times sprayed the rowdy crowd with capsicum spray during the rally, which began about 11am.  Injured protesters were led away by police to an ambulance at the scene. The No to Racism Rally became marred by violence with anti-Islam groups targeting the demonstration and police out in force. The anti-racism protesters chanted: 'Nazi scum off our streets', while the right-wing demonstrators shouted 'the Left is going down'. Hundreds of people turned out in support of the anti-racism message and about 50 to 100 people came to denounce Islam.  Some protesters on both sides of the crowd hid their identities with scarves and hooded tops. One bearded man in a black windcheater taunted the right-wing supporters, yelling: "I'll kick the f--- out of you," and then urged them to approach. Police urged demonstrators to stay behind police lines or get sprayed as the rally moved towards the Pentridge Prison building and then to the front of the Coburg public library.  Bell Street is closed to traffic near the intersection of Sydney Road and Bell Street.
