Vic unionist accused of bashing elderly

A Victorian union official has appeared in court over allegations he bashed a 66-year-old man after tensions boiled over at a rally for supporters of a far-right Greek party.

Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union official Joseph Myles was detained at Sydney Airport after returning from an overseas holiday last weekend on a warrant for charges of serious assault, affray and entering a premises with intent.

It's alleged Myles, in his mid-30s, punched the man to the ground and continued to attack him as he lay on the floor at a Woolloongabba hotel on May 2, 2014.

Earlier unionists had clashed with protesters at a South Brisbane demonstration organised by supporters of Greek far-right political party Golden Dawn.

It's alleged tempers flared when unionists twice confiscated the protesters' Eureka Flag.

Later, the groups came to blows at the Red Brick Hotel, where Myles is alleged to have attacked the 66-year-old.

An arrest warrant was issued last September, but it wasn't until the union official returned from a six-week overseas holiday that authorities acted.

Myles fronted the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday and was given conditional bail after posting a $10,000 surety.

The case is due to return to court on July 15.