Vic Police 'disappointed' at face covering

Victoria Police have slammed hard-right and left-wing protesters who covered their faces at a tense rally in Melbourne.

True Blue Crew and anti-racism activists clashed at the Australian Pride March on Sunday.

Victoria Police northwest metro commander Russell Barrett said it was disappointing some covered their faces.

"We were disappointed that a number of protesters chose to wear facial coverings and question why they felt the need to hide their faces if they weren't planning to cause trouble," he said.

Activists were prepared to come to blows, with police finding a knife and a knuckle duster.

Police arrested a demonstrator for carrying a weapon and detained a person for breach of peace. They also pepper-sprayed five people who broke through a police cordon.

An anti-racism protester labelled the right-wing group as "fascists", while a right-wing demonstrator said they had the "right to free speech".

United Patriots Front leader Blair Cottrell spoke at the rally and led the march to parliament.

Commander Barret said despite some protesters' "confrontational behaviour", no one was injured.