$700 TICKET SLAP
FOOTY fans desperate to witness tonight’s Richmond-Geelong blockbuster are being charged as much as $700 as rip-off merchants cash in online without fear of retribution.
Ticketmaster Resale was last night advertising a single seat to the sold-out Tigers-Cats clash for $706.73 — more than eight times face value.
The AFL urged fans to only buy tickets through “official primary channels’’ and warned AFL members they risk having their membership and tickets cancelled if they were caught selling their seat for a profit.
But it refused to take further action against secondary sellers or ask the State Government for tougher laws to protect fans. As Victoriai Police and MCG security ramp up surveillance for the AFL finals, it has been revealed stricter checks have already stopped a raft of weapons being taken into the ground.
Knuckle dusters, knifes and box cutters are among dangerous items confiscated from fans amid increased security checks at the M MCG this AFL season.
MCC venue and event services general manager Gerard Griffin said security would be tight for tonight’s Richmond-Geelong clash.
“We will be very diligent and strict in applying our 100 per cent bag check and 100 per cent wanding, this will take a fair bit of time and I’m sure fans are already used to this,’’ he said.
“Already this year we’ve confiscated box cutters, some knives and even the odd set of knuckle dusters.’’
Victoria Police Acting Commander David Clayton said no specific terror threat had been made against finals at the MCG but fans should remain vigilant.
He said police would patrol train stations, tram and bus stops and in and outside the stadium.
“On the final siren, police will also exit the venue with patrons and walk with them to the transport hubs and back to the CBD,’’ he said.
Mr Griffin confirmed a clear bag rule at the MCG was “definitely on the table’’.
“Clear bags is certainly an option we will consider down the track,’’ he said.