Two men have been charged after a police officer was assaulted during a brawl at a hotel in Sydney’s CBD, following Sunday’s anti-immigration March for Australia rally.
At about 5:40pm on Sunday, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to a hotel in Broadway after reports a group of people at the bar were yelling offensively at passers-by before a brawl ensued.
Attempts were made by officers to disperse the group, with police alleging a 48-year-old man then assaulted a male constable.
When the constable attempted to arrest the man, a 29-year-old man allegedly also assaulted the officer.
Footage from the incident showed the moment capsicum spray was deployed near the entrance of the hotel bar.
The incident occurred late on Sunday afternoon. (ABC News)
Both men ran from the scene but were arrested after a short foot pursuit.
One bystander, who had an Australian flag in his backpack could be heard saying to officers: ‘”You aren’t Australian” and “you’re all dogs”.
In the footage another man could be heard saying to an officer: “You’re a tough man … you don’t need to push me … I feel sorry for all of you.”
The officer suffered minor injuries.
One bystander could be heard saying to officers: ‘”You aren’t Australian” and “you’re all dogs”. (ABC News)
The 29-year-old was taken to Surry Hills Police Station and the 48-year-old to Day Street Police Station.
The men were charged with affray, assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.
They have been refused bail to appear at Bail Division Local Court on Monday.
Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.