Victorian police union boss claims 'needless debate' about 'proportionality and what's right and wrong' needs to end as cops are accused of brutality during Melbourne protest Victorian police boss says officers showed restraint during anti-lockdown rally By Olivia Day For Daily Mail Australia Published: 07:35 BST, 19 September 2021 | Updated: 07:45 BST, 19 September 2021 Viewcomments The head of Victoria's Police Association has said his officers showed as 'much restraint as they could' in the face of violent anti-lockdown riots. More than 1,000 demonstrators swarmed Melbourne's CBD on Saturday in defiance of the city's stay-at-home orders. Wayne Gatt said his colleagues had expressed their concern over the increasingly brutal tactics deployed by protestors. 'They came into that demonstration with the intent to hurt our members, and they succeeded against 10 of them,' he told reporters on Sunday. Head of Victoria's Police Association Wayne Gatt (pictured) said his officers showed as 'much restraint as they could' when confronted with violent anti-lockdown protestors on Saturday Ten police were injured while dealing with the protests, with injuries including a broken elbow and broken nose, a broken finger and torn muscles. Six officers were taken to hospital. 'I'm not coping looking at the 0.01 per cent of actions and looking at our members who were confronted with such overwhelming violence,' Mr Gatt continued. 'Those actions wouldn't have occurred if those people didn't attend an unlawful protest, no one had to be there.' Protestors were seen throwing bottles and stones at officers while an authorised vehicle was severely damaged. Scenes escalated as police were forced to deploy capsicum spray before arresting dozens of protesters as others taunted and hurled abuse at them. Police dodged traffic cones, bottles, flares and smoke bombs after angry protesters hurled the items at the blockade. Shocking footage captured the moment a mob of frenzied protesters broke burst through a police line while screaming 'f*** you dogs' and trampling on officers knocked to the ground. More to come. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility