A teenage boy has been caught allegedly attempting to smuggle weapons into Marvel Stadium during the AFL match between the Swans and Bombers in Melbourne.
The 15-year-old, who did not have a ticket, was stopped at the entrance by security and searched by police, who found a fake gun and a knife in his possession.
Police issued the teenager a formal caution and allowed him to leave, a decision that has since sparked public debate.
State Sports Minister Steve Dimopoulos refrained from criticizing the police decision, stating, “They were there, I wasn’t.”
Eyewitnesses reported that the replica gun appeared realistic, with a metal frame, black finish, and a removable magazine.
The AFL has not issued a public statement but is reportedly satisfied with current stadium security protocols.
This marks the second security scare involving weapons at an AFL venue in under a month.
Earlier, two men were charged after bringing handguns into the MCG during the Collingwood-Carlton game.
Following that incident, security was heightened at AFL events across the country.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin warned that such incidents could cause public panic and stressed the importance of maintaining strict security at large gatherings.
