Australia Day protesters shut down Gabba ahead of Day 2 play

Australia Day protesters have caused chaos inside the Gabba in Brisbane, forcing security staff to evacuate the entire stadium.

Chaos unfolded ahead of the second day’s play at the Gabba on Friday.

As Australia Day protests around the country got underway, a group gathered outside Gate 2 holding signs that read “No Justice, No Sport”.

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Two protesters are alleged to have then entered the ground through Gate 1 which forced Cricket Australia to put the stadium into lockdown as a precautionary measure.

Broadcasters were also asked to vacate the field of play as the security measures were put into place.

The lockdown measure lasted no more than 10 minutes with Queensland Police giving the all clear for the doors to be opened and fans to start flooding back in.

“The security staff and the police did a fantastic job,” CA chief executive Nick Hockley told SEN on Friday afternoon.

“That has been appropriately handled.”

But as play got underway more chaos unfolded as a fan holding an Aboriginal flag run onto the field. He laid down in the outfield before security staff escorting him away.

A protestor has entered the field of play holding the Australian Aboriginal flag.#AUSvWIpic.twitter.com/Jb60q7jPz8

— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) January 26, 2024

Around 100 protesters with megaphones confronted police outside the Gabba, chanting “What’s today? Invasion Day” and “Always was, always will be”. Other signs read “We are better than the British bloody Empire” and “No pride in genocide”.

According to Fox Sports’ Nic Savage, most protesters left the stadium once play officially got underway at 2pm local time.

The protests outside the stadium come after Cricket Australia backflipped on their Australia Day stance following widespread backlash.

Aus Day protests cause cricket chaos

Earlier in the week Hockley confirmed no mentions of Australia Day would take place at the stadium on Friday.

Those plans however were reversed with Australia Day to be recognised at the Gabba ahead of and during play.

According to News Corps Robert Craddock, the governing body will continue its policy of remaining low key over the day out of respect.

Hockley addressed the matter when speaking with SEN’s Gerard Whateley ahead of the day two play commencing.