Two Men Charged Over Firearms Incident at MCG
Authorities charged two men for allegedly bringing firearms into the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during an AFL match. The incident occurred during Thursday night’s clash between Carlton and Collingwood, attended by over 82,000 fans.
Police apprehended the men after reports of unruly behaviour around 8:30 pm. Officers discovered two firearms, including one loaded, during a search. No injuries occurred during the incident.
Legal Proceedings Begin
Omar Salam, 21, from Roxburgh Park, faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court and remains in custody until April 16.
Mohamad Noori, 27, from Broadmeadows, was scheduled to appear in court on Friday morning. Both men face firearms-related charges, including possessing a loaded firearm. Police confirmed one of the offenders was a prohibited person.
Victoria Police Responds to Security Breach
Assistant Commissioner Therese Fitzgerald stated that both men were on bail at the time of the incident. Police have ruled out terrorism as a motive. Fitzgerald emphasized the isolated nature of the incident, stating the offenders were known to authorities.
Breakdown in Security Screening Process
Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Chief Executive Stuart Fox confirmed a security lapse occurred during the screening process. Fox acknowledged the failure of the secondary and manual screening process, which prompted an internal investigation.
Fox stated, “Our security screening units identified items of concern and further investigation was required. Our initial internal investigation identified a breakdown in the thoroughness of the secondary and manual screening process.”
MCC will increase the extensiveness of secondary manual screening. Patrons may face slight delays during future events.
Figure 2: Major security breach at the MCG
Victorian Premier Orders Security Review
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan called for an urgent review of MCG’s security arrangements. Allan described the behaviour of the offenders as “absolutely unacceptable.” She expressed concern about the safety of fans attending major sporting events.
“It’s a concern to me, it’s a concern to so many in our community because the MCG should be a place of celebration, not a place where people are carrying guns and weapons,” Allan said.
AFL and MCC Commit to Security Review
AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon confirmed additional security measures would be implemented over the weekend. The AFL will conduct a comprehensive review of MCG’s security protocols alongside MCC and Victoria Police.
“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,” Dillon said.
AI-Powered Scanners Under Scrutiny
The MCG recently upgraded its security system, implementing AI-powered scanners before the 2024 season. Evolv Technology provided the equipment, which utilises sensors and AI to differentiate weapons from common metal items. The technology has been deployed at major sporting events across the United States.
Despite these upgrades, the recent breach highlights potential flaws in the screening process. The MCC pledged to enhance manual checks as part of a broader security overhaul.
AFL Fans React to Security Breach
President of the AFL Fans Association, Ron Issko, expressed confidence in the current security system. He assured fans the incident would not deter him from attending future games.
“We’re the greatest fans in the world … we maybe have one or two ratbags,” Issko said. “I will, as a representative of fans, say that I will be going to the football, the security is great, the police are great there.”
Issko acknowledged fans would accommodate stricter security measures if necessary.
Police Outline Charges Against Offenders
Police confirmed charges against the two men, including possessing unregistered handguns, possessing ammunition without a licence, altering firearm serial numbers, and failing to appear on bail.
The 27-year-old from Broadmeadows faces six charges, while the 21-year-old from Roxburgh Park faces three charges, including committing an indictable offence while on bail.
Police have charged two men after they were allegedly found with firearms at MCG last night. https://t.co/tnwakJjjWZ
— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) April 3, 2025
MCG Faces Pressure to Reassure Public Safety
MCC’s Fox emphasised the importance of continuing to invest in new technologies to ensure public safety. He highlighted the need for thorough investigations into procedural failures.
“[The incident] highlights why we continue to explore and invest in new technologies to assist us,” Fox said.
The incident remains under investigation as MCC, AFL, and Victoria Police collaborate to strengthen security protocols ahead of future events.
