How Jonny Bairstow helped inspire tough new regulations at the MCG that will see sport fans that abuse players kicked out along with their mates

MCC members and their companions will be expelled from the MCG if they racially abuse defaming AFL or cricket players, inspired in part by the treatment Australian cricketers endured in Britain over the Jonny Bairstow controversy.

The Melbourne Cricket Club has revealed the sanctions that will be imposed on anyone and their friends if defamation or racial abuse is leveled against players at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

MCC members found guilty of racist behavior may face expulsion as part of the company’s new zero-tolerance approach to racism. MCC president Fred Oldfield said the club wanted an inclusive environment for all customers.

“As a ground manager, we are committed to maintaining high standards throughout the MCG, including the MCC Members’ Reserve,” Oldfield said in a statement.

“We are on the cusp of what looks to be a sensational AFL Finals series and we want the environment to be safe, inclusive and enjoyable for all who use the ‘G.’

And it comes after the Aussie Test side was hammered by Lord’s members at The Ashes during the second Test which was won by Australia.

Bairstow, left in the picture, was nasty when he was handed out during the Lord’s Ashes Test match and Lord’s members were just as upset

Lords members chant insults at Australian cricketers following the decision, with Australian opener David Warner (bottom right) taking exception to their comment

Bairstow was handed out after straying out of his crease, mistakenly thinking the ball was dead as it was the end of the over.

When the Aussies returned through the long hall before lunch, the members chased the players, chanted ‘cheat’ and David Warner had to be pulled away from a group of supporters by Usman Khawaja after unknown abuse was sent his way.

As a result, Marylebone Cricket Club suspended three members. That example was part of the catalyst for the new MCC policy.

There have been several instances of racial abuse and intolerable behavior at the MCG in recent years.

A group of cricket fans were ejected from the 2018 Boxing Day test match between Australia and India after chants such as ‘show us your visa’ were shouted at players.

Police stand alongside rowdy crowd members during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG in 2018, where a group of supporters were sent off for racist abuse against Indian players

This sign was soon removed after being displayed during a match between Collingwood and Richmond in 2016

Former Richmond Tigers star Bachar Houli was reportedly the target of abuse at the MCG during his playing career

A far-right group unfurled an anti-Muslim banner reading ‘Go Pies! Stop the Mosques’ in 2016, aimed at players from Richmond. Bachar Houli, a Muslim, was also targeted in the same match.

And Western Bulldogs midfielder Lin Jong was reportedly the target of racist slurs in 2015, while Bulldogs fans were also accused of homophobic slurs in the same game.

While the Bairstow incident pushed the new regulations into reality, Oldfield said the policy change had been discussed long before that incident earlier this year.

“With regard to the MCC Membership Reserve, upon joining the club, our members agree to be bound by the MCC Code of Conduct and not to conduct themselves in an inappropriate or dishonorable manner,” the statement read.

“We therefore have a disciplinary process underpinning the Code of Conduct to ensure that instances of anti-social behavior are handled appropriately, protecting our wider membership base.”

The Bulldogs’ Jamarra Ugle-Hagan recreates iconic Nicky Winmar moment, pointing to his skin after allegedly being racially abused earlier this season

MCC President Fred Oldfield, pictured left with Melbourne FC President Kate Roffey, players Sinead Goldrick and Angus Brayshaw and CEO Gary Pert along with the MCC’s Stuart Fox

The MCC, which has nearly 157,000 members and an additional 182,000 people on the waiting list, announced the changes to its members in an email Friday afternoon.

“Members should take particular note that we as a committee have commissioned an update of the club’s Disciplinary Punishment Guide in relation to racist conduct or remarks of a defamatory nature,” Oldfield wrote.

“It should also be noted that it is an expectation that members visiting the reserve with their guests inform them of the expected standards of behavior and dress standards required on the member reserve.

“Any violation of the Club’s Code of Conduct by guests is the responsibility of the guest member, who may in turn be subject to disciplinary action as a result of the guest’s actions.”

0ldfield pointed out that defamation and abuse seem to be on the rise and that this is the main reason for the new crackdown.

The MCC said it had experienced an increase in racist, insulting and insulting remarks this season, along with other member misconduct such as violence, drunkenness and misuse of membership cards.

“Unfortunately, the club’s Disciplinary Committee has had to deal with far too many instances of inappropriate behavior and behavior from members and guests during the 2023 AFL premiership season, resulting in lengthy suspensions for these members and in some cases even expulsion,” said Oldfield. wrote.