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Protesters swarm Nets' arena ahead of home opener in support of Irving

Sarah Stier / Getty Images Sport / Getty

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.

Carrying United States flags and signs, the group chanted "Let Kyrie play." Some people appeared to attempt to force their way inside the arena.

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.

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