RACIAL tension at Cronulla beach threatened to explode yesterday after a brawl erupted near the scene where two lifesavers were attacked last weekend.
The violence came as a text message circulated in Sutherland Shire, urging locals to come to Cronulla this weekend to take revenge on Middle Eastern gangs. Police called for calm, fearing Cronulla could become a flash point for violence this summer.
A man was treated for facial lacerations after a one-on-one confrontation near the North Cronulla Surf Club yesterday.
One witness said the trouble began when three "Aussie guys" began arguing with a group of teenagers of Middle Eastern appearance, and the argument spilled in to a brawl.
Streets in Cronulla were cordoned off at about 4.30pm as police began a manhunt with the aid of dog squad and police chopper Polair.
A man was taken to Miranda police station, where he was expected to be charged with malicious damage.
A spokesman for Surf Life Saving Sydney said no lifesavers had been involved in the brawl.
Police are now preparing for the grim possibility Cronulla will become a focus of tensions between gangs made up of young men of Middle Eastern descent and local surfers.
Officers appealed for calm as disturbing text messages circulating around the Sutherland Shire yesterday urged "Aussies" to take revenge against "Lebs and wogs".
"This Sunday every Aussie in the Shire get down to North Cronulla to support Leb and wog bashing day," an SMS seen by The Daily Telegraph said.
"Bring your mates and let's show them that this is our beach and they are never welcome ... let's kill these boys," the message said.
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Cronulla patrol commander Superintendent Robert Redfern said police were concerned about the SMS and warned the community officers would not tolerate vigilante retribution.
"Parents should talk to young people to tell them it doesn't make sense to become involved," he said.
"People should be aware there will be police presence on and around the beach this weekend."
Fears of revenge attacks at Cronulla came as a leader of Sydney's most notorious surf gang, the Bra Boys from Maroubra, warned of further violence.
Champion surfer Koby Abberton told The Daily Telegraph Sydney's beaches had become the new battleground for warring racial groups.
Abberton, who was convicted last month of perverting the course of justice in relation to a liquidate charge against his brother, Jai, who was acquitted, broke his silence to warn that Sydney's beaches were ready to explode.
The world-renowned surfer claimed Maroubra was Sydney's most peaceful beach - but only because the notorious Bra Boys had restored order.
Telegraph
