Rival protest groups clash at Melbourne’s Halal Expo

A man has been taken to hospital with a facial injury after rival protest groups clashed at Melbourne's Halal Expo.

Outside the Melbourne Showgrounds, where the event was held, a group opposed to multiculturalism and open borders called the Party for Freedom planned to hold what police said was initially a peaceful protest.

According to police, about 12.30pm anti-racism group Antifa “moved through” the protest group and an angry brawl broke out.

Party for Freedom protestors said the Antifa activists stole their flags and placards while one member of their group, Ryan Fletcher, was taken to hospital with an injury to his eye socket.

No arrests were made and police are investigating the incident.

In the CBD, The Campaign Against Racism and Fascism marched from Federation Square in response to an anti-Muslim banner unfurled at the MCG at an AFL game on Friday night.

The banner reading “Stop The Mosques” was raised during the Collingwood-Richmond match and quickly removed by security.