• Cricket fans were briefly stopped from entering the Gabba.
• At least two protesters entered the venue, leading to a lockdown.
• The lockdown lasted about 10 minutes.

During the pink-day Test between Australia and the West Indies, cricket fans were briefly stopped from entering the Gabba on Friday due to a lockdown at the Brisbane venue following a security breach.

“No Justice, No Sport” signs were held by Invasion Day protesters outside Gate 2 ahead of the second day’s play.

According to Fox Sports, at least two protesters entered the venue through Gate 1, which led to a lockdown. Broadcasters Channel 7 and Foxtel were also told to leave the playing surface, while staff inside the Gabba were not allowed to exit the facility. However, the lockdown only lasted about ten minutes as Queensland Police and security staff ensured that the situation was under control.

“The security staff and the police did a fantastic job,” CA chief executive Nick Hockley told SEN on Friday afternoon. “That has been appropriately handled.”

Another protester holding an Aboriginal flag entered the field of play during the first over of the day. The protestor laid down in the outfield before being escorted off the ground by the security staff.

Thousands of Invasion Day protesters gathered at Brisbane’s CBD on Friday morning, demanding that Australia Day’s date should be changed.

CA’s decision to schedule the second Test between Australia and the West Indies on January 26 was also questioned within the sporting community.

“We have received criticism this year, but we have also received a huge amount of support,” Hockley continued. “It is a really fine balance. We just try to be as sensitive and respectful to everyone as we possibly can.”

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