The MCG has released a statement following an alarming incident involving two men allegedly carrying loaded guns at Thursday night’s blockbuster AFL match.

The men, who were out on bail, managed to get through new AI security at Melbourne Cricket Ground and were arrested by police after being confronted by security guards.

The AI-powered full-body scanners were introduced at the MCG in March 2024 as part of a major security upgrade.

The incident happened while 82,058 footy fans watched Collingwood take on Carlton.

Melbourne Cricket Club chief executive Stuart Fox responded on Friday morning, expressing his disappointment at the failure of the security system.

“Last night’s incident is extremely disappointing and upsetting and highlights why we continue to explore and invest in new technologies to assist us in keeping the community safe.”

“Our security screening units identified items of concern and further investigation was required.”

“Our initial internal investigation identified a breakdown in the thoroughness of the secondary and manual screening process.”

The scanners are designed to detect weapons without manual searches and are also used in major stadiums overseas.

Mr Fox has warned patrons to expect delays in security screenings for future games.

“As a result, we will be increasing the extensiveness of the secondary manual security process and patrons may experience slight delays as they attend upcoming events.”

During the second half of match between the Blues and Pies, police were called to the stadium at around 8.30pm, following reports of a security incident where the men allegedly refused to leave.

When police intervened, they searched the two men, allegedly finding two guns and ammunition on their persons.

Roxburgh Park man Omar Salam, 21, faced court on Friday morning and he was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on April 16.

He wore a white T-shirt with a black Nike logo and listened closely to Magistrate Timothy Bourke during his brief court appearance.

He was charged with being a person prohibited from possessing a firearm, possessing ammunition without licence and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

A 27-year-old man from Broadmeadows is facing multiple charges, including possession of an unregistered handgun and ammunition without a licence.

He is due to face court later on Friday.

Counter terrorism police were called to assess the incident but will have no further involvement, with the probe now in the hands of the crime investigation team.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the officers involved in the search and described the incident as “pretty shocking”.

“Frankly, I hope that they get the book thrown at them for this and I do want to thank Victoria Police for their work in keeping people safe,” he told ABC Radio Sydney.

Mr Fox said the “number one priority” of Victoria Police and the Melbourne Cricket Ground “is the ongoing wellbeing and safety of all patrons”.

“We will continue to work closely with Victoria Police, the AFL and our security provider in executing the MCG’s security procedures.”

AFL Fans Association president Ron Issko was also shocked and said nothing like this had ever happened before.

He said fans were subjected to several security measures including walking past detector pillars and individual security checks.

“If they have to make some changes this weekend to security, fans will accommodate,” Mr Issko told AAP.

“I’ll be going to the footy this weekend and I’ve got all the confidence in the security and the police at the footy.”

He said any security upgrades must be done urgently.

“Ninety-nine per cent of fans are great. If we’ve got some ratbags let’s get rid of them,” he said.

The MCG underwent a security upgrade in 2024 including the roll out of artificial intelligence sensors, called Evolv Express.

“Evolv Express uses sensors combined with AI to differentiate between weapons and common metals people carry,” according to the company’s website.

The AFL has been approached for comment.

- with AAP