Fight breaks out in the AFL’s most exclusive club over teen’s refusal to stand for the national anthem at Anzac match
- An incident took place in the exclusive dining room for MCC members
- Police have confirmed that two men were injured
- The investigation into the incident is ongoing
A fight broke out in the exclusive MCG Members’ Dining Room during the Hawthorn-Sydney Anzac round match when a teenager failed to stand for the national anthem on Sunday.
The incident reportedly occurred after another patron asked the teen to stand up out of respect, leading to a confrontation with the teen’s father.
This disagreement escalated into a physical altercation on the members’ balcony, witnessed by children.
Two men suffered minor injuries during the fight and Victoria Police have spoken to all parties involved. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
The MCC refrains from commenting due to the ongoing police investigation.
The MCG is owned by the Victorian Government through the MCG Trust and managed by the Melbourne Cricket Club [MCC].
MCC members can access live sport and events from the best local seats, dine in exclusive members-only facilities, take part in special events and view one of Australia’s leading collections of sporting artefacts and literature.
The Last Post and the Australian National Anthem were observed before the match between the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn Hawks during their Anzac match on Sunday
A brawl broke out in the exclusive MCG Members’ Dining Room as a teenager reportedly refused to stand during the national anthem
Only MCC members have access to the exclusive dining room, with voting to see who is lucky enough to gain entry
There is a minimum 20-year waiting period to become a provisional MCC member and some members pay more than $800 per year for this privilege
There is a $175 fee to get on the waiting list to become an MCC member, making it one of the most exclusive clubs in the country.
Today, if someone were to sign up as a waitlist candidate, it would take about twenty years before they would be granted provisional membership.
Access to the Members Dining Room is by ballot and participation is only permitted by existing MCC members.
There are currently approximately 23,000 MCC members, paying anywhere from $13 annually for foreign members over 50, to $844 for adult members (25-50) living in a metropolitan area.
About 500 MCC members have joined a social media group called ‘MCC Members Action Group’.
News Corp has reported that several members have complained about similar disruptions that occurred before the Anzac Round Richmond-Melbourne clash on Wednesday evening.
“Very disappointed with some members last night,” one person wrote.
‘Talking through both 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 members’ areas, with glasses left piled up and unwashed and broken glass under tables and chairs.