Novak Djokovic supporters lock down Melbourne CBD streets as protest turns violent

A mob of Novak Djokovic supporters was pepper sprayed after a protest at his lawyer’s Melbourne office descended into chaos.

Supporters of Novak Djokovic were pepper sprayed after a protest outside his lawyer’s office descended into chaos.

The supporters arrived at the CBD building just after 8pm Monday in a sea of red, blue and white, calling for his freedom.

The escalating situation came after Djokovic’s family launched explosive claims that Australian authorities are seeking to detain him in Melbourne.

Wearing Serbian flags and chanting “Free Novak!”, the supporters blocked traffic in both directions.

#breaking Police have fired pepper spray at Novak Djokovic supporters after they swarmed what they believed was the tennis star's vehicle pic.twitter.com/eBDggZo3FS

— Mitch Ryan (@Mitchryan0) January 10, 2022

A car believed to be carrying Novak Djokovic is escorted by police as fans surround the vehicle in Collins Street. Picture: Getty Images

Fans swarmed the car as it attempted to leave. Picture: Josie Hayden

Fans were sprayed as they rushed to the car. Picture: AFP

A man jumped on the car as the crowd surged. Picture: AFP

Serbian tennis fans marching on Collins St on Monday. Picture: Getty Images

Earlier, fans broke out into traditional Serbian songs and dance in support of the unvaccinated tennis star.

But tensions grew as demonstrators flung water bottles at police and one man was seen spitting at an officer before the situation had escalated.

The situation got heated at 8.30pm when the mob surrounded a black Audi trying to leave a building and get through the street.

The black sedan was swarmed by dozens of supporters who believed it was the tennis star’s vehicle.

Supporters rush to a convenience store after being sprayed. Picture: Josie Hayden

A man douses his face with milk after being pepper sprayed.

Scenes quickly turned violent as fans rushed in, with police telling demonstrators to “back the f--- off” before they fired tear gas in multiple directions.

Supporters were later seen buying several cartons of milk from a nearby convenient store and pouring them on their eyes to deal with the pain.

They could be heard coughing following the spray.

A 27-year-old Hampton man was arrested during the incident.

He was later released and is expected to be charged on summons with assaulting police and acting in a riotous manner.

A protester throws a punch at police officer during the protest. Picture: Supplied

Supporters of Novak Djokovic dance and celebrate outside the offices of his legal team. Picture: AFP

Crowds flocked to the streets after Novak Djokovic won his court battle. Picture: AFP

Supporters vent their fury at the saga. Picture: AFP

“Due to the aggressive behaviour of the crowd, police were forced to deploy OC spray,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

“A male leading senior constable and a female constable received minor injuries and did not require medical treatment.”

Djokovic’s bid to remain in the country and win a record-breaking 21st grand slam remains under a cloud despite the Serbian winning his sensational court battle against the Home Affairs Minister.

Originally published as Novak Djokovic supporters lock down Melbourne CBD streets as protest turns violent