The MCG has blamed a “breakdown in the thoroughness” of security screening procedures, which relies on AI and humans, after two men allegedly carrying loaded firearms were able to enter a blockbuster match between Collingwood and Carlton.
Police alleged the weapons were found after a search by officers at the ground, as a crowd of 82,058 fans watched the Magpies defeat their arch-rivals on Thursday night.
The Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive, Stuart Fox, said security screening units, which use AI technology, had “identified items of concern and further investigation was required”, but there had been a breakdown in “the thoroughness of the secondary and manual screening process”.
“As a result, we will be increasing the extensiveness of the secondary manual security process,” he said, warning patrons there may be “slight delays as they attend upcoming events”.
Victoria police went to the MCG about 8.30pm on Thursday after two men allegedly refused to leave the venue when security challenged their behaviour.
They were arrested and during a search officers allegedly found they each were carrying a firearm and ammunition.
Fox described the incident as “disappointing and upsetting”, particularly after the sporting venue underwent a security upgrade last year.
“[The incident] highlights why we continue to explore and invest in new technologies to assist us,” Fox said.
He said the club would continue to work closely with Victoria police, the AFL and its security provider in executing the MCG’s security procedures.
“I want to thank Victoria police and the AFL for their support last night and as always, our common and number one priority is the ongoing wellbeing and safety of all patrons and everyone involved in the delivery of an event.”
In March 2024, the venue announced it would be the first in the southern hemisphere to use new AI-powered full-body weapon detectors. The screening system uses cameras, sensors and AI to scan for prohibited items, before sending findings to security staff.
Victoria’s police minister, Anthony Carbines, said the alleged incident was a “very serious matter”.
“It’s concerning for all Victorians,” he said.
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Carbines said sport and major events minister, Steve Dimopoulos, would be meeting the AFL, MCG and Victoria police later today to review the matter.
“When these matters happen, they need to be thoroughly investigated and understood,” Carbines said, urging that “any and every” security measure is taken to ensure people are safe.
The chief executive of the AFL, Andrew Dillon, said: “There will be additional secondary security measures in place this weekend, and the MCC in conjunction with Victoria police and the AFL will conduct an end to end review of security measures at the ground.
“More than 1.2 million fans have attended the football so far this season and we will work closely with authorities to ensure the matches and venues continue to be a safe and welcoming place for all.”
The AFL Players Association chief executive, Paul Marsh, said what allegedly occurred was “extremely concerning and frankly unacceptable”.
“We have been in discussions with the AFL this morning and have an understanding of what transpired,” he said.
“Pleasingly and appropriately, they have committed to additional security measures for the rest of this weekend as well as a comprehensive review of security measures at all grounds.”
Omar Salman, 21, appeared in the Melbourne magistrates court on Friday morning where he faced charges of being a person prohibited from possessing a firearm, possessing ammunition without a licence, and committing an indictable offence while on bail.
His lawyer, Matthew Weinman, told the magistrate, Timothy Bourke, it was his client’s first time in custody. He said Salman was prescribed medication by a GP for a back injury.
Mohamad Noori, 27, appeared separately in the court. He is charged with possessing an unregistered handgun, possessing ammunition without a licence, altering the serial number of a firearm, possessing a loaded firearm, possessing a prohibited item (Major Event Act offence) and failing to appear on bail.
Salman was remanded in custody to appear at the same court on 16 April while Noori is due to reappear on 5 May.
– with Australian Associated Press
