Last night tens of thousands of people gathered in cities across the country to protest against a visit by Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog.

Outside the Sydney Town Hall it wasn’t long before the protest turned violent, with video footage showing police pepper-spraying, charging and dragging protesters – including Muslim worshippers who were kneeling in prayer.

Nine people have been charged after the clashes with police, with police saying more charges are expected to be laid.

Guardian reporter Jordyn Beazley was there, and tells Nour Haydar when the protest turned violent and whether it all could have been avoided.