Fight breaks out in the AFL’s most exclusive club over teen’s refusal to stand for the national anthem at Anzac match
A fight broke out in the exclusive MCG Members’ Dining Room during the Hawthorn-Sydney Anzac round match when a teenager did not stand for the national anthem on Sunday.
The incident reportedly occurred after another patron asked the teenager to stand up out of respect, leading to a confrontation with the teenager’s father.
This disagreement escalated into a physical altercation on the members’ balcony, witnessed by children.
Two men suffered minor injuries from the fight, and Victoria Police have spoken to all parties involved. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
The MCC has refrained from commenting due to the ongoing police investigation.
The MCG is owned by the VIctorian Government through the MCG Trust and is managed by the Melbourne Cricket Club [MCC].
MCC members can access live sports and events from the best seats at the ground, dine in exclusive member-only facilities, participate in special functions and view one of Australia’s leading collections of sports artefacts and literature.
The Last Post and Australian anthem were observed before the match between the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn Hawks to in their Anzac clash on Sunday
A brawl erupted in the exclusive MCG Members’ Dining Room because a teenager reportedly refused to stand for the anthem
Only MCC Members can access the exclusive dining area, with ballots held to see who is lucky enough to gain entry
There is a minimum 20-year wait to become a provisional MCC Member and some members pay more than $800 a year for the privilege
There is a $175 fee just to join the waiting list to become an MCC member, making it one of the nation’s most exclusive clubs.
If someone was to sign up to be a waiting list candidate today it would take approximately 20 years to be offered provisional membership.
Entry to the Members Dining Room is conducted by ballot and entries are only permitted from existing MCC members.
There are currently around 23,000 MCC members, who pay anywhere from $13 annually for overseas members who are over 50, to $844 for adult members (25-50 years) living in a metropolitan area.
Around 500 MCC members have joined a social media group called ‘MCC Members Action Group’.
News Corp has reported several members complained about similar disruptions that occurred before the Anzac Round Richmond and Melbourne clash on Wednesday night.
‘Very disappointed with some members last night,’ one posted.
‘Talking through both national anthems. Not good enough.
‘I’m sorry. Hang your head in shame. And Melbourne supporters.’
Several members also took to social media in 2023 to complain about declining standards in the members areas, with glasses left stacked up and unwashed and broken glass under tables and chairs.
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