Security tightened at MCG for Boxing Day Test
by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on Fri, 23 Dec, 2016, 02:36 PM
Just days ahead of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan, security at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has been tightened after a terror plot was foiled and seven people were arrested in the city.
According to reports, a plan to attack Melbourne's Flinders Street train station, nearby Federation Square and St. Paul's Cathedral on Christmas Day was allegedly in place, but was foiled due to the arrests.
James Sutherland, the chief executive of Cricket Australia, reassured that appropriate levels of security was in place for the upcoming fixture. "Our (Cricket Australia's) security team is in contact with the relevant authorities to ensure we have the appropriate level of security at the Boxing Day Test and other cricket matches being held around the country," Sutherland said on Friday (December 23).
"The safety and security of our fans, players and officials attending any cricket match is our number one priority. We applaud Victoria Police for their efforts this morning in neutralising the threat and we will continue to work with the relevant authorities to ensure the highest security standards and protocols are maintained."
On his part, Graham Ashton, the chief police commissioner, stated that there was no confirmed threat to any of the events during the festive period but his department was taking precautions. "We know there's lot of events on over the next several days right across our state, including the Boxing Day Test, Christmas carols, other events that are on," he said. "There is no intelligence to suggest there is any threat whatsoever in relation to any of those events. However we're just making sure we're taking those extra precautions."
Australia lead the three-match Test series 1-0 after a narrow 39-run victory over Pakistan in Brisbane.
© Cricbuzz
by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on Fri, 23 Dec, 2016, 02:36 PM
Just days ahead of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan, security at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has been tightened after a terror plot was foiled and seven people were arrested in the city.
According to reports, a plan to attack Melbourne's Flinders Street train station, nearby Federation Square and St. Paul's Cathedral on Christmas Day was allegedly in place, but was foiled due to the arrests.
James Sutherland, the chief executive of Cricket Australia, reassured that appropriate levels of security was in place for the upcoming fixture. "Our (Cricket Australia's) security team is in contact with the relevant authorities to ensure we have the appropriate level of security at the Boxing Day Test and other cricket matches being held around the country," Sutherland said on Friday (December 23).
"The safety and security of our fans, players and officials attending any cricket match is our number one priority. We applaud Victoria Police for their efforts this morning in neutralising the threat and we will continue to work with the relevant authorities to ensure the highest security standards and protocols are maintained."
On his part, Graham Ashton, the chief police commissioner, stated that there was no confirmed threat to any of the events during the festive period but his department was taking precautions. "We know there's lot of events on over the next several days right across our state, including the Boxing Day Test, Christmas carols, other events that are on," he said. "There is no intelligence to suggest there is any threat whatsoever in relation to any of those events. However we're just making sure we're taking those extra precautions."
Australia lead the three-match Test series 1-0 after a narrow 39-run victory over Pakistan in Brisbane.
© Cricbuzz