Brooklyn star Kyrie Irving has refused to get vaccinated against covid-19.
A decision that resulted in the club choosing to stop him from playing.
The NBA has no vaccination requirements, but the rules in New York do not allow Kyrie Irving to train and play.
And before tonight's home premiere for the Brooklyn Nets, major protests erupted outside the arena.
A group that supports Irving's decision to refuse the vaccine blocked traffic outside the Barclays Center, some with flags and signs with the text "No vaccine requirement, we stand with Kyrie".
Attempts were also made to force the roadblocks.
"The Barclays Center temporarily closed the entrances to remove the group from the main entrance to ensure the safety of guests," a spokesman for the arena told ESPN.
The protests prevented some supporters from entering the arena, something that was noticed when the stands were only half full when the match started.
Irving has not played any of the team's opening three games.
The Brooklyn Nets have previously said that they will welcome Irving back when he meets the city's vaccination requirements.
When it comes to sports, the match ended with an away win.
Charlotte Hornets won 111-95.
CLIP: LeBron on the mockery of old age: "I just treasure it" (October 2)
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LeBron James and some of the teammates of the LA Lakers during the media day before the NBA season.
Photo: Instagram / ESPN