Far-right and anti-racism protesters trade verbal barbs in CBD clash

Police have prevented another clash of mass violence between far-right and anti-fascist groups in Melbourne's CBD today.

Hundreds of officers were out in force this afternoon, many of them in riot gear, trying to keep violence in check at the Australian Pride Rally organised by the far-right True Blue Crew.

Waving Australian flags, the self-proclaimed patriots marched from Carlton Gardens to Parliament, flanked by police every step of the way.

Video captured the moment they came face-to-face with their political opposition on the steps of Spring Street.

“Why are you being such a smart-arse for?” one said.

The comment sparked a vitriol-filled response: “Don't f------ touch me. You f------ whore.”

Barriers kept the parties and physical violence at bay, but did little to prevent verbal abuse.

Vigilance from the riot police and the mounted branch were able to keep the parties from getting to each other as they marched back, neither side backing down.

“If they ever want to collectively organise we're going to be there to outnumber them, and show them that the side of anti-racism is much stronger that the side of racism,” Tess Dimos from the Campaign Against Racism and Fascism said.

True Blue leader Blair Cottrell was defiant.

“I don't think it's in their best interests to try and hurt someone like me,” he said.

“I don't think they're capable of summoning as much violence into their service as I can.”