CATTERY SECURITY JITTERS IN WAKE OF MANCHESTER BLAST:
Fire alarm scare sees stadium evacuated
A FALSE alarm got last night’s football match at Simonds Stadium off to a jittery start with the match already subject to beefed-up security.
Staff and media were evacuated just hours before the clash with Port Adelaide although the stadium had not been opened at the time of alarm.
It is believed an automated fire alarm caused the evacuation.
Extra security measures were being taken at Simonds Stadium last night in the wake of the Manchester bombing.
Geelong fans were asked to arrive a little earlier than usual to ease congestion at the ground with security increased, although not visibly so.
The Manchester attack was a hot topic for football fans last night but most were confident that Australia’s security situation was stronger than abroad.
Terang’s Wayne Saunders and his cousin Wes Saunders, from Launceston, have been attending matches at Kardinia Park since the 1960s.
They said terrorism was incomprehensible to Australians in that period, with only the Troubles in Northern Ireland making headlines.
“It is a bit of a worry but you’d hope that Australia was different to the UK, Europe and the US,” Mr Saunders said.
“The stuff in Manchester happened outside the stadium, so that’s harder to police. Every year, the checks and security to come into the game get tighter and tighter but that’s a good thing.”
Ena and Barry McKenzie, from St Albans Park, are also longstanding Cats fans.
They said the spectre of Manchester was in the front of most Australians’ minds, given the brutal targeting of children.
“You know, it’s sad to think there’s people out there that would do such a thing,” Mrs McKenzie said.
A number of high-profile attendees filed through the gates last night including radio personality Denis Walter, expolitician turned broadcaster Amanda Vanstone and former premier Denis Napthine.
Following a review of security arrangements for last night’s match against Port Ad- elaide, the Kardinia Park Trust stated there had been no change to the stadium’s threat assessment.
Kardinia Park Stadium Trust chief executive Michael Brown met with police and the ground’s independent security provider as part of the review.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the devastated families and victims in Manchester,” Mr Brown said.
“And as the venue for the first Victorian major sporting event after the Manchester tragedy, we have reviewed the plans and response strategies for Kardinia Park Stadium.
“There will be heightened — and visible — police presence at the venue, at all entrances, gates and the car park.
“We will also have additional security staff and supervisors at the ground to assist fans and members should there be any questions or concerns, and we encourage patrons to speak to them and report anything they see that they are not comfortable with.”
Mr Brown said there would be some changes to security.
“No patron will be allowed to enter the venue — at any time during the game — without a valid ticket. And that will continue until well after the game has concluded.”.