Terror attacks force major security operation for Brazil v Argentina MCG clash

Recent terror attacks in Melbourne and abroad have forced a major security operation to be put in place for sporting events in the city including the Brazil v Argentina MCG clash on Friday, with around 95,000 fans set to flood through the gates.

Police outside the MCG Source: Getty Images

In light of the this week's siege in Brighton and the recent deadly terror attacks in both Manchester and London, authorities are on guard.

There there will be a huge, round-the-clock police presence across Melbourne, while all spectators will undergo body scans and bags check before entering the MCG.

Event organisers have confirmed both the Brazil and Argentina national teams have hired their own private security firms while in Melbourne.

Victoria Police said the increased police presence will be deployed across Melbourne's central locations such as Federation Square, Bourke Street Mall and Melbourne Central.

The intense security measures will remain in place across Melbourne’s CBD ahead of a packed schedule of major sporting events in the coming days.

Fans attending next Tuesday’s Australia v Brazil game at the MCG can expect to experience a similar level of police and security measures, police said.

“Police will be there every step of the way for fans – at the transport hubs, on the walking routes to the stadium, outside the gates and inside the stadium,” Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said in a statement.

“Once the final siren or whistle blows, police will follow the same steps as fans heading home.

“These police members are in addition to the extensive security measures which are in place as a matter of course at the MCG.”

MCG spokesman Shane Brown urged fans to allow plenty of time to to make their way into the stadium.

"Everyone who enters the ground will have their bag searched and they will be body-scanned with a hand-held wand. All cars parked beneath the stadium will all also be searched, " he told The World Game.

"These procedures are now standard for all MCG events, and have been so for the past 18 months.

"Our procedures were already at a high level and have been for some time now.

"What people will see on Friday night, though, is an increased visible police and security presence around the stadium before, during and after the event."

Deputy Commissioner Patton reassured people there was no specific threat to the community.

“It is completely understandable that people are feeling concerned following the incident in Brighton this week and other recent acts of terror," he said.

“I can assure the public that police will have a significant presence throughout the city this weekend.”