At least three people have accused Calgary police of using excessive force during an anti-racism rally that turned violent and saw at least two injured and three arrested.

On March 21, 400 supporters of the UN’s International Day to Eliminate Racism gathered outside city hall. Within hours, the group clashed with 40 members of the neo-Nazi organization the Aryan Guard.

Police were forced to keep the two groups apart as they zigzagged through downtown for nearly two hours before a city transit bus shuttled the Aryan Guard away.

Kevin Brookwell, a spokesperson for the Calgary Police Service, confirmed three people have filed complaints against police. He said officers were forced to push protesters back to maintain the line dividing the two factions.

Protesters on the anti-racism side pulled rocks, bottles and full cans of food from their backpacks, launching them at the Aryan Guard. A number of people, including officers, were hit and injured in the melee.

Jason Devine, a spokesperson for the Anti-Racist Action group (ARA), tells Fast Forward Weekly that participants were encouraged to be vocal and confrontational but not violent during the rally. “Throwing projectiles was not called for,” says Devine. “Some people chose to express [their anger] in an unacceptable way.”

Brookwell said the ARA was informed beforehand that anyone disturbing public order, engaging in any violent or destructive activity would be arrested and charged for breaching of the peace.

One person was arrested on an outstanding warrant while two others were arrested for disturbing the peace after “aggressively” breaking through the police line. Police are reviewing video evidence, and further arrests may be made.