Social media users labelled the image ugly and have demanded an explanation after it was published on Facebook and Twitter.
The United Patriots Front group has labelled the officer a “patriot”, stating that the “police on the ground know whats [sic] up”.
The group took part in the protest in Melbourne on Saturday, when the photo showing the police officer was taken.
Victoria Police have responded to the criticism, stating that the gesture was a “split second action”.
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The Melbourne event was one of several Reclaim Australia rallies planned for around Australia over the weekend, aligning with the end of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims.
Coalition MP George Christensen attended a rally in Mackay on Sunday, criticising the "tidal wave of hyperventilation and confected outrage on social media".
