SCG slammed for turning members away from Sydney Swans blockbuster match

The Sydney Cricket Ground has been slammed for restricting access to hundreds of members at the Sydney Swans match on Sunday, who claim the venue has let them down.

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has been slammed for restricting access to hundreds of members at the ‘sold-out’ Sydney Swans match on Sunday.

Fans with member passes but without pre-reserved seats were turned away and told to watch the game elsewhere as they arrived at the members’ gates just after the match started at 3.20pm.

The SCG’s official Facebook page was bombarded with messages after posting a picture of the ground with a thank you message.

The caption read, “44,659. Thank you, Sydney Swans fans”, but several users jumped on the post to vent their frustration.

“SCG you let your members down again.” Ez Crumbe said.

Darcy Moore of the Magpies and Lance Franklin of the Swans compete for the ball during the round 22 clash at the SCG. (Photo by Jason McCawley/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

Another user, Maggie Burke, was disappointed in the way members were treated.

“What about the hundreds of Swans fans left waiting at the gate…”

Donna Stanford questioned the decision as she pointed out the ground’s total capacity. “Capacity is 48,000, why were people refused entry?”

The highly anticipated clash was sold out prior to the weekend despite the match’s numbers (44,659) being a few thousand short of the total capacity (48,000).

The SCG was criticised over treatment towards members during the round 22 clash. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

A spokesperson for Venues NSW, who manage the SCG, said that the move was to ensure the safety of the patrons.

“The capacity of the SCG members area is capped under law and to provide the safest possible conditions for patrons and staff, it is the No.1 priority at the ground,” he said.

They claimed that the members’ reserve section, which holds approximately 14,000, had hit capacity and the remaining fans were forced to be turned away.

“All member seats were taken, capacity was reached and the gates were closed midway through the first quarter,” the SCG spokesman said.

Isaac Heeney of the Swans is carried off the field after victory to celebrate his 150th game during the round 22 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Collingwood Magpies at SCG. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

“There were approximately 400 members who were unable to enter the SCG.”

Despite a large number of upset members, the SCG hosted a record crowd on what was otherwise a memorable day.

“Member gates have been closed in the past when capacity has been reached, the crowd of 44,659 is the second highest at the SCG since the Sydney Swans relocated for the 1982 season.”

After their impressive 27-point win against Collingwood, the Swans have a strong chance of securing a top four spot which would gift them a double chance in the finals series, meaning the SCG will play host to at least one more sellout match.