Brawl breaks out between Chinese fans and protesters in FIBA Qualifiers / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Graham Denholm/Getty Images; AFP - Scanpix Credit Graham Denholm/Getty Images; AFP - Scanpix

The 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers matchup between China and Australia had to be temporarily stopped due to an incident between fans in the stands in the John Cain Arena in Melbourne.

In the first half of the match, activists against Chinese policies started actively showing signs against the regime. In response, resident China fans responded swiftly to their actions.

Activist Max Mok claims he was assaulted after holding up a poster of an Australian Uyghur Muslim who is currently imprisoned in China. He also shouted 'Free East Turkestan' and 'Hong Kong independence' at China basketball fans.

A video taken during the altercation shows part of the action that was going on in the arena as one Chinese fan was trying to get physical with the protester while his girlfriend was actively holding him back.

It is reported that the Chinese fan shoved the protester to the ground in response to the provocation. Several protesters were dragged out of the stadium by the arena's security team.

Since China made flying the Tibet flag illegal claiming the territory as part of mainland China, the protesters held a Tibetan flag aloft in an act of defiance while being escorted by security.

Victoria Police said seven spectators were removed from the stadium. According to the police report, no one was injured.

It was the second time during the past week that local protesters interrupt an event related to China.

Credit AFP - Scanpix

A week ago, the Chinese ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian presented a rare speech in Syndey where he found his opening remarks derailed four times after protestors stood up holding signs protesting China's role in Tibet.

Australia ultimately beat China 76-69, and are now through to the next round of the World Cup Qualifiers. Former NBA player Matthew Dellavedova was the top scorer on the Boomers team with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists for 21 PIR.

In the last matches of the Asian Qualifiers, Australia will meet Japan on Friday while China will host Chinese Taipei (Taiwan).

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