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AAP
AAP
Fraser Barton

Masses flock in Brisbane as cricket hit by protests

The second day of the cricket Test at the Gabba was halted in the first over by a pitch invader. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

The streets of Brisbane have been flooded with protesters calling for change of the Australia Day date and the second day of Australia's Test against the West Indies was briefly disrupted by demonstrators. 

A combination of around 8000 Invasion Day and pro-Palestine protesters rallied through Brisbane City on Friday brandishing placards that read "No pride in genocide" and "Always was, always will be".

Anti-Australia Day protesters protesting outside the Gabba
Thousands of Invasion Day and pro-Palestine protesters rallied in the CBD before going to the Gabba. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Chants of "What do we want? Justice. When do we want it? Now," and "No justice no peace, no racist police" could be heard as demonstrators descended on Queens Gardens on Friday morning before walking over the Victoria Bridge to West End. 

Several hours of speeches were made by organisers, members of the Indigenous community and youths, while chants of "free Palestine" rang out in the masses. 

Police said no incidents were recorded at the main demonstration.

A pitch invader carrying a Aboriginal flag is seen being apprehended
The man with an Indigenous flag lay on the Gabba turf. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Demonstrators rallied in Lions Park outside the Gabba Stadium on Friday before the second day's play began.

Two demonstrators were handcuffed and detained by police, with the stadium going into a temporary lockdown after protesters entered the venue.

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley told SEN Radio there was a small delay as police ensured everything was safe and secure.

Police and protesters outside the Gabba
A large police presence stood outside the Gabba. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

A large police presence stood in front of the western entrance as fans were made to wait for entry into the stadium.

Both teams arrived earlier than scheduled to avoid the disruptions.

Play was then halted in the first over of play when a man ran onto the field with an Indigenous flag and lay on the turf.

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