Round 2 of the AFL season has continued to go against the norm, with a fire alarm sounding at the MCG during the second quarter of Saturday's clash between Collingwood and Adelaide.
With just over 30 seconds of the second stanza having been played, a fire alarm sounded across the venue, with fans leaving their seats to evacuate while players were instructed to make their way to the centre of the field.
After close to two minutes of uncertainty as fans were alerted a fire may be present in the stadium, those claims were soon silenced when the MCG announced a false alarm had been sounded.
A minor fire broke out in a food outlet within the Ponsford Stand, with the matter having been dealt with quickly.
"Today at approximately 2.24pm the MCG emergency evacuation system was automatically triggered in a food outlet on level 4 of the Ponsford Stand. An investigation into the issue was immediately commenced and no evidence of risk to patrons was detected," an MCC statement reads.
"Venue management was able to stop the evacuation procedure and allow patrons back into the venue after approximately 5 minutes. The MCC sincerely apologises for the inconvenience to patrons and the competing Clubs."
With scores set at 33-11 in favour of the Magpies, play resumed after several minutes of delay.
Venue management was able to stop the evacuation procedure and allow patrons back into the venue after approximately 5 minutes.
The MCC sincerely apologises for the inconvenience to patrons and the competing Clubs. (2/2)
— Melbourne Cricket Ground (@MCG) March 26, 2022
We have an emergency alarm at the MCG.
We'll have more information as it comes. #AFLPiesCrows pic.twitter.com/5zvKl5wK11
— AFL (@AFL) March 26, 2022
The bizarre circumstances of the match follow Lance Franklin's milestone of 1000 goals in the AFL, having booted four majors against Geelong on Thursday night at the SCG.
A majority of the 36,578 crowd stormed the field of the final quarter of the game, leading to close to 30 minutes in delays.
