Police have condemned violent protests in Melbourne's north, which resulted in several arrests.
Two of those arrested are alleged to have been carrying weapons.
Clashes broke out between anti-refugee and anti-racism groups, in the latest in a series of such incidents around the country.
Coburg is usually one of Melbourne's most vibrant and culturally diverse suburbs.
But on Saturday, it resembled a war zone, as protests turned violent.
The clashes sparked up after a local Moreland council "Say No To Racism" rally was hijacked by other groups.
Supporters of the right-wing "True Blue Crew" were bussed in from other parts of the state.
While other self-proclaimed "anti-fascist" campaigners, many with their faces covered, joined in.
A massive police presence, including riot and mounted officers, was unable to keep the groups separate for long.
Police used pepper spray against protesters from both groups, after flag poles were used in violent altercations.
Police had warned families with children to stay away from the rallies and many businesses, including the local pool, kept their doors closed.
"Say No To Racism" organiser Sue Bolton says she and others will not be intimidated.
"Our rally is focussed on the three issues of stop the closure of Aboriginal communities, Treaty now, let the refugees in, close Manus, close Nauru, and no to Islamaphobia. We didn't ask the far right to come. They have decided, like they have decided before, to protest against progressive causes. We do not want the far right to dictate what we are allowed to protest about and what we can't protest about, we think that's a very important right."
True Blue Member, Bendigo resident Nick Abbott, says his group will continue to oppose bringing refugees to Australia.
"We don't want the refugees coming. We don't want Manus Island closed, to bring the influx of refugees. We need to take care of our backyard first. The homeless, the that are on the streets. It's not about anything else but the refugees."
Victoria Police Commander Sharon Cowden says she's disappointed with today's events.
"We saw inappropriate and often cowardly behaviour with people wearing masks and hiding their identity. And we actually believe that in these circumstances they're not coming to a peaceful protest. People hide their identity and I believe it makes them more violent when they're on the streets."
The original, peaceful, rally eventually went ahead.
