Strict security measures in place for Socceroos’ World Cup qualifier at the Adelaide Oval

In the heightened current global security climate, South Australian authorities have been undertaking comprehensive security reviews in advance of tonight’s FIFA World Cup qualifier between the Socceroos and Saudi Arabia at the Adelaide Oval.

The tens of thousands of fans attending the crucial game will face strict new security measures, introduced following the Manchester Arena bombing terror attack last month.

South Australian Police have undertaken a risk assessment of Thursday’s game, as they do with all major events in the State, with Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams advising “w always assess who’s participating and what new threat or risk that might pose.

“Every event is assessed on its own individual merits and obviously those with an international flavour are very significant.

“We look at crowded places in particular ... what treatments can be put in place, including the use of CCTV (and) bollards as you’ve most recently seen in Rundle Mall being installed, and the use of temporary bollards at Adelaide Oval.

 “(We also assess) persons of interest ... as they come on our radar.”

Williams urged people attending the match to be “be patient” as they are likely to experience security checks as they enter the venue, adding “the security is there for your benefit. Everyone will get in to see the fixture.”

Following the Manchester attack last month, both the Adelaide Oval and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre announced increased security measures.

They include more thorough searches of bags and patrons with handheld security wands, as well as an increased security presence.

Patrons have been advised to arrive at the venues 20 minutes earlier than they normally would and to be patient.

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said Police reviewed the terror threat in South Australia on a daily basis, stating “we're advised that the current threat level, the terrorist threat level of probable is unlikely to change, but it is at that very high level.

"It's at a probable terrorist activity threat level in this country."

The Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority has erected temporary barriers around key entrances at the ground and plans to replace them with permanent structures.

The concrete barriers were first introduced for a KFC Big Bash fixture prior to Christmas.

Similar security measures have also been introduced at New Zealand venues for British and Irish Lions tour games.

Images: The Adelaide Oval (top) and security staff at the venue (below).

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