CLEVELAND, United States (AFP) — A tense Republican National Convention erupted in turmoil yesterday amid a loud revolt by delegates opposed to presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump, furious over being denied a floor vote on the event’s rules.

Several hundred anti-Trump delegates seeking to change the convention rules so that they could opt out of voting for the real estate mogul, roared their disapproval after being denied the chance to debate the changes or have a full vote on them.

“Shame! Shame!” some shouted, as pro-Trump delegates yelled back. Some of those opposed to Trump even walked out.

The interruption highlighted the divisions within the Republican Party as it struggles to unify behind Trump in the run-up to the November election against Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Convention delegates were moving towards approving a rules package, and when the convention chair declared the rules approved after a tense and loud voice vote, the ‘Never Trump’ movement rose up in a chorus of boos.

When a convention chair, Congressman Steve Womack, failed to restore order, the convention ground to a halt for several tense minutes.

Anti-Trump delegates had said earlier in the day that they had sufficient signatures to force a roll-call vote on all important rules governing this week’s event that will see the provocative billionaire anointed as the party’s nominee.

It was one of the final efforts by the Trump opponents, including former US Senator Gordon Humphrey, who presented the petition signatures from a majority of delegates in nine states.

Womack said there were insufficient signatures to force the roll-call.

Humphrey told that it appeared the effort, while sparking tense minutes on the convention floor, failed to generate sufficient support.

“I’m not surprised, but I am disgusted,” he said.