90 fans ejected from the MCG during day one of the Boxing Day test

Security issues have dogged cricket in the post Christmas period with more than 90 spectators ejected from the MCG on Boxing Day – the first day of Australia’s test against the West Indies.

Amid heightened venue security, fans were removed from the historic venue for a range of offences: 11 were ejected for discharging missiles, while many others were intoxicated and used offensive language.

Victoria Police also issued a total of 32 penalty notices for alcohol-related offences.

On Sunday, a fan breached security and ran on to the field at the Sydney Cricket Ground during Big Bash League game between Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars, where he had to be restrained by stewards, disrupting play at a crucial juncture.

In the current climate of increased venue security, the MCG issued a pre Christmas statement advising of increased security measures. This included a new security fence erected around the venue which is intended to serve as a first security check to ensure 100% of spectators are screened before they enter the ground.

The SCG has faced a number of security challenges in recent months, with the venue, and the neighbouring Allianz Stadium, listed by the NSW Government as being among Sydney's most violent venues following a string of incidents.

Published in October, the listing marked the first time that sporting venues had been included since the scheme began in 2008. The list showed that during the 2014/15 financial year, Sydney Cricket & Sports Ground Trust venues recorded 12 violent incidents.

Of the incidents, four were during NRL games, three during cricket, two during rugby matches, two during AFL fixtures and one during a football match.

At the time, an SCG Trust spokesperson told Fairfax media man that more than 1.6 million people attended events at the SCG and the Allianz Stadium during the reporting period, commenting “(while) any incidence of violence at the Sydney Cricket Ground or Allianz Stadium is one too many, incidents at the SCG and Allianz Stadium are few in comparison to the number of patrons who attend the venues." 

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