A large group of protesters bypassed security barricades outside Barclays Center on Sunday ahead of the Brooklyn Nets' home opener as they chanted in support of sidelined guard Kyrie Irving and in opposition to vaccine mandates.
Getting scary out here. Crowd of protesters just jumped barricades and pushing towards door. Chanting let Kyrie play. pic.twitter.com/PlSu5B8amV
— Barbara Barker (@meanbarb) October 24, 2021
Carrying United States flags and signs, the group chanted "Let Kyrie play." Some people appeared to attempt to force their way inside the arena.
Footage from inside Barclays Center, where “Stand With Kyrie” protesters appear to be trying to get INSIDE the arena pic.twitter.com/JWLLCs1cm4
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) October 24, 2021
The scene outside Barclays Center where a group of protesters chant, “No vaccine mandate, Stand with Kyrie.” Several hold “Stand with Kyrie” signs. This is the Nets’ home opener. Kyrie Irving will be away from team until he complies with NYC vaccine mandate. pic.twitter.com/833DqYOLf7
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) October 24, 2021
Irving, who's unvaccinated, isn't allowed to participate in Nets home games due to New York's vaccine mandate.
The guard could've participated in road games, but Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks opted to keep Irving away from the team entirely until he can be a "full-time member."
Barclays Center was put into lockdown, according to Barbara Barker of Newsday. Brooklyn's contest against the Charlotte Hornets tipped off as scheduled at 4 p.m. ET.
