MCG boss Stephen Gough admits to ‘jitters’ all-round over security fence

The MCC has admitted to ‘jitters’ about the MCG’s new security fencing ahead of the AFL season.

Tens of thousands of angry fans were stuck in long lines outside the concourse on Saturday night, when a record-breaking 80,088 fans flocked to the Big Bash derby.

MCC boss Stephen Gough has admitted it grossly underestimated the crowd – it predicted between 45,000 and 50,000 – and thus staffing levels were too low, and they didn’t have enough entry points.

When asked by Tony Jones on 3AW Mornings if the AFL would be ‘jittery’ about the new so-called ‘ring of steel’, Mr Gough replied: ‘I think we all are.’

‘They (the AFL) will be looking at that saying ‘What are we going to do if we have 80,000, or even 90,000 for Anzac Day’,’ Mr Gough said.

He added that Big Bash cricket fans behaved more like AFL crowds than traditional cricket fans in that ‘people walk up rather than buying tickets’.

Click play to hear Stephen Gough with Tony Jones