Guests taken to hospital as violent illness breaks out at Essendon’s President’s Lunch

More than 30 fainting and vomiting guests at an exclusive MCG “President’s Lunch” have been treated by paramedics after a violent illness broke out.

More than 30 guests at an exclusive Essendon President’s lunch event at the MCG yesterday were struck by a violent gastrointestinal illness.

A spokeswoman for Victoria Ambulance said a number of footy fans, who were eating at the official match day function in the Olympic Room, were taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Guests at the lunch said there were scenes of chaos as people suddenly started vomiting and fainting shortly after tucking into their starters.

However, the majority were assessed and treated at the scene for suspected food poisoning.

One of those attending posted a video from the scene, saying there was “chaos” and that five people had fainted before speakers — which included Governor Linda Dessau and Kevin Sheedy — took to the stage.

A spokesman for Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) said “a number of guests presented with gastro intestinal symptoms” following and during the event.

“The guests were all part of the official match day function in the Olympic Room and incidents are localised to this room only within the stadium.

“We are currently investigating to determine the cause of these incidents. We are working in co-operation with health services and our partners to understand what caused the medical issues.”

One guest, who was treated at the scene, told 3AW those who fell ill were struck shortly after tucking into rabbit and chicken terrine entree.

More than 30 guests were assessed by paramedics at the event. Picture: iStock

“I was speaking to some other people in the sick room later on in the afternoon and it was strange that everything seemed to happen at the same time for everyone,” she said.

“After I’d had the entree … I started to feel as though I was going to faint.”

The MCC spokesman said anyone who was at the event and feels queasy should seek medical help.

“If you were a guest in the Olympic Room and are experiencing gastro intestinal symptoms, then please seek medical attention if the symptoms are causing you distress,” he said.

Those taken ill missed a cracker of a game between Collingwood and Essendon, which is being hailed as “one of the best ANZAC Day matches ever”.

Pies skipper Scott Pendlebury was enormous all game long to secure the 10.12 (72) to 10.9 (69) victory and claim his third ANZAC Day medal.