Protesters have faced a wall of police in front of a Melbourne court ahead of the appearance of the leader of a far-right group accused of offending Muslims during a rally against a mosque.

United Patriots Front leader Blair Cottrell, 35, and supporters Neil Erikson, 32, and Christopher Neil Shortis, 46, are due in court to face charges under Victorian racial vilification laws after a mock beheading of an effigy at Bendigo in 2015.

Police from the public order response team formed a barrier outside the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday morning as protesters gathered outside, bearing anti-Nazi placards.

"Racists, sexists, anti-queer, Nazis are not welcome here," the protesters chanted.