Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Two Arrested at MCG After AFL Match: Men Allegedly Carried Loaded Firearms
Melbourne, Australia – Authorities apprehended two men at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) following Thursday night’s Australian Football League (AFL) game between Collingwood and Carlton. The arrests occurred after the men were allegedly discovered to be carrying multiple loaded firearms inside the iconic sporting venue.
Security Breach at MCG During AFL Showdown
It is alleged that the two individuals bypassed the MCG’s enhanced security protocols and concealed the weapons by hiding them within their trousers, according to reports. The incident raises questions about security effectiveness at major events, despite recent upgrades to systems at the stadium.
Police Statement Confirms Arrests
Victoria Police released a public statement confirming the incident, stating that a 21-year-old male from Roxburgh Park and a 37-year-old male from Broadmeadows were taken into custody following the match. Police were alerted to the men due to disruptive behaviour during the game.
Disturbance in Crowd Leads to Discovery
Law enforcement officers were reportedly notified of two individuals causing a disruption amongst spectators during the latter part of the clash, which saw Collingwood defeat Carlton by 17 points. When approached by security personnel regarding their conduct, the men allegedly refused to cooperate and exit the premises.
No Injuries Reported, Security Questioned
Police have confirmed that no injuries were sustained by any individuals during the incident. However, the method by which the men purportedly gained entry to the stadium while armed remains under investigation. The incident has prompted scrutiny of the MCG’s recently upgraded security measures.
Two men were taken into custody at the MCG on Thursday evening amid claims they allegedly ‘carried multiple loaded weapons’ into the venue.
Police detained the individuals after officers were alerted to a disturbance within the crowd during Carlton’s defeat by Collingwood (pictured).
Details from Victoria Police
Victoria Police stated: “Security personnel at the MCG requested police assistance to manage two males who were behaving disruptively and refusing to leave the venue. Upon police intervention and subsequent search, it is alleged that two firearms were discovered on each of the males.”
Law enforcement representatives have been contacted for further details regarding the ongoing investigation into the incident at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
MCG Security Upgrades in 2024
In the previous year, the MCG implemented significant upgrades to its security infrastructure. A new screening system powered by artificial intelligence, developed in partnership with Evolv Technology, was deployed. This advanced technology aimed to bolster safety at the venue.
AI-Powered Screening System
Attendees entering the MCG are now processed through Evolv Express security gates, resembling airport security checkpoints, before having their tickets scanned at modernized ‘touchless’ turnstiles.
According to a company press release issued in March, these scanners are designed with the capability to ‘distinguish between weapons and everyday metallic items carried by individuals’, aiming to expedite entry while maintaining rigorous security.
Enhanced Throughput with New Technology
These AI-driven scanners are engineered to process large volumes of attendees swiftly. Reports indicate that approximately 3,500 individuals can pass through a single scanner each hour, significantly improving entry efficiency compared to previous manual checks conducted by stewards for prohibited items.
MCG’s chief executive from last year, Stuart Fox, had commented on the upgrades, stating, “We aim to provide the best possible experience for everyone visiting the ‘G, and we consistently explore innovative solutions to enhance this. We’ve invested in state-of-the-art technology to establish a new benchmark for security, efficiency, and convenience.”
Victoria Police confirmed that no injuries occurred during the incident, and that a 21-year-old and a 37-year-old man were arrested.
Carlton’s Game Performance
The game itself saw Carlton experience their fourth consecutive loss on Thursday night. Despite holding a lead at the halftime interval, Michael Voss’ team faltered in the second half. Collingwood seized the momentum, scoring four goals after halftime to establish a 25-point advantage leading into the final quarter.
Late scores from Oliver Hollands and George Hewett were insufficient to spark a Blues comeback, resulting in an 8.15 (63) to 6.10 (46) defeat for Carlton.