The cricket fans were banned from entering the Gabba for the AUS vs WI Test on Friday afternoon as the Brisbane venue implemented a lockdown due to a security breach.
Outside Gate 2, Invasion Day protesters gathered before the pink-day Test between Australia and the West Indies, displaying signs with messages such as “No Justice, No Sport.”
Reportedly, two protesters entered through Gate 1, prompting Cricket Australia to initiate a precautionary lockdown at the Gabba. Broadcasters were asked to vacate the playing surface, and venue staff were restricted from moving between sections.
After Queensland Police and security ensured control, the lockdown lasted for only about five to ten minutes, allowing patrons to resume entering the venue.
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In a disruptive move during the first over, another protester, holding an Aboriginal flag, entered the field and lay down in the outfield before being escorted off by security.
Approximately 100 protesters with megaphones confronted police outside the Gabba, chanting slogans like “What’s today? Invasion Day” and “Always was, always will be.”
The incident followed a large Invasion Day protest in Brisbane’s CBD earlier that day, advocating for a change in the date of Australia Day. Cricket Australia’s decision to hold the second Test between Australia and the West Indies at this time stirred controversy, with CEO Nick Hockley declaring no acknowledgment of ‘Australia Day’ at the Gabba this week. Australian Test captain Pat Cummins also supported refraining from using the term, urging a change in the date of the public holiday.
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