Aussies slam ‘selfish’ lockdown protesters amid violent scenes

Furious Aussies have lashed out at ‘selfish’ and ‘moronic’ protesters after footage of violent pandemonium in Melbourne and Sydney.  

Furious Australians watched in disbelief as footage of lockdown protests across Melbourne and Sydney filled social media on Saturday.

Swarms of passionate so-called ‘freedom fighters’ marched maskless through Melbourne and Sydney, with manic scenes unfolding as police were knocked to the ground in violent scuffles.

There were reports police officers were pelted with rocks and bottles, while protesters were filmed screaming “shame on you, shame on the lot of you” at cops attempting to control the crowd.

The commotion in both locked-down cities echoed similar events held last month, with the protest especially concerning given Melbourne’s newly-extended restrictions, and Sydney recording the highest volume of cases nationally over 24 hours since the pandemic began.

But the worsening spread of the deadly Delta strain hasn’t stopped furious anti-vax groups coming out in force, leaving Aussies complying with lockdown hopelessly watching on.

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Police pictured amid violence on the streets of Melbourne during the wild lockdown protest.

There were reports police had bottles and rocks hurled at them during the rally.

Emergency physician Stephen Parnis pointed out the strain the violence will put on emergency departments battling the virus, writing: “Injuries from today’s protests are being treated in already overworked, stressed emergency departments that struggle with #COVID19Vic outbreaks & staff in isolation.

“I’m disgusted with the few who assume we’ll always be able to pick up the pieces, while they do everything in their power to make a bad situation worse. #Covid19Vic Health services are a precious, finite resource. Please protect them,” he begged.

Anti lockdown protesters fought back against the hordes of police officers deployed to the rally. Picture: David Crosling

Others shared footage of the inundated streets, with young children seen joining in among the pack without masks as Twisted Sister’s We’re Not Gonna Take It blasted from a speaker system, egging the group on.

Those involved were branded “selfish” and “moronic”.

Injuries from today's protests are being treated in already overworked, stressed emergency departments that struggle with #COVID19Vic outbreaks & staff in isolation. They will all receive good care, as long as we have the resources to provide it. Proud of my HCW colleagues (1)

— Stephen Parnis (@SParnis) August 21, 2021

We'll provide care. We always do. But I'm disgusted with the few who assume we'll always be able to pick up the pieces, while they do everything in their power to make a bad situation worse. #Covid19Vic Health services are a precious, finite resource. Please protect them (2)

— Stephen Parnis (@SParnis) August 21, 2021

It is sickening to see this when 2 km away patients on ventilators fighting for their lives. Absolutely disgusted! https://t.co/QrHRI5EbuU

— Christian Karcher MD FCICM (@drckarcher) August 21, 2021

I can’t believe what I’m watching unfold in Melbourne. Selfish & moronic people. This still had a chance to get under control and now looking at this all I can’t think is the country is done! This is infuriating #COVID19Vic#auspol2021#Melbourneprotest

— Calliope Zac 🕯💉💉 (@calliopezac) August 21, 2021

To all those people who attended today's #sydneyprotest and the Melbourne protest, you are the reason why we are having these extended lockdowns in the first place, you have no respect and clearly don't care about what your actions could do all of us.

— Grace_Deviant (@GraceHa07243027) August 21, 2021

Twisted Sister getting a play on Elizabeth Street as hundreds of anti lockdown protesters find each other. @[e-mail]/r1LVsChuNC

— Rachael Dexter (@rachael_dexter) August 21, 2021

What sort of parent takes a child to a maskless rally when 1 in 4 cases of delta in our city are children? It only takes one positive covid case in that group to transmit delta to your child. #Melbourneprotest

— Dr Giordana Hrga ❤️ Precision Teaching (@GiordanaHrga) August 21, 2021

This is Melbourne right now.
These people do not deserve the help of hard working doctors & nurses. Jail them & ban them from hospital care when they get the virus they think is fake. Enough is enough.
Also, can we stop bringing innocent horses to these events? #Melbourneprotestpic.twitter.com/069XZeloTz

— Fiona Adorno 💙 (@FionaAdorno) August 21, 2021

I protest the #sydneyprotest.

Shame on all of who attended. Go and get educated. Go spend a month in the ED or COVID ward and then tell us the pandemic is fiction.

Irresponsible, ignorant, selfish and complete disregard for the health of others.#COVID19nsw#covidiots

— me and my two cents (@mytwocentsandme) August 21, 2021

Over the course of the afternoon dozens of police officers were seen pepper spraying and tackling demonstrators in Melbourne. Police horses were startled as a line of protesters ran with their arms linked towards the police to breach the barricade.

Flares sere wet off as the crowd chanted “freedom”.

Protestors hit the streets of Melbourne. Picture: Matrix Pictures

One Melbourne emergency doctor labelled the protest “disgusting”. Picture: Matrix

In Sydney, police presence was ramped up ahead of time after officials infiltrated online forums and learned of plans some groups had made to evade penalties for partaking in the march.

A large contingent of around 1400 officers were stationed across the city’s major roads to intercept people on their way to the protest. The event fizzled as a result.

Police were quick to apprehend protesters in Sydney, who still came out despite warnings they risk being arrested and thousands of dollars in fines. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images.

Around 1500 anti-lockdown protesters have also gathered in Brisbane’s CBD meeting in the Botanic Gardens before marching from Parliament House to the city.

The protests were organised by groups of conspiracy theorists as part of a “nationwide rally for freedom, peace and human rights”.

It is the same group behind a July major protest which resulted in 350 fines and 60 people charged, as well as shocking footage and imagery of wild unrest on the streets of Melbourne and Sydney.

Organisers had planned the gatherings across Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Cairns and Townsville.