Boos ring out around MCG as Matildas v France World Cup match is switched off big screens

Thousands of fans braved poor Melbourne weather to catch a glimpse of the Matildas v France on the MCG big screens and they weren’t happy when the game was switched off.

Melbourne players watching the Matildas.

Boos rang out around the MCG after footy fans missed the chance to see the Matildas continue their World Cup campaign in extra time against France.

Thousands of fans braved poor Melbourne weather to catch a glimpse of the other football code’s big match, ahead of Carlton’s AFL match against Melbourne.

Some fans lined up for more than an hour outside the MCG before gates opened at 4.30pm, hoping to get to their seats ahead of the Matildas’ 5pm kick off.

While fans had been warned that the soccer match would turn off the big screens at the end of regulation time in preparation for the AFL match, many loudly booed when the stream was cut from the screens.

We're all Jack Viney right now...#TilItsDonepic.twitter.com/KpmgTj3TTA

— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 12, 2023

#AFLBluesDees gonna report the @MCG turning off the Matilda’s 30 minutes before the game as antisocial behaviour pic.twitter.com/lvZ0eKoUHG

— Eleanor (@carltoneanor) August 12, 2023

A message was placed on the big screens of the MCG at 6.52 pm stating, “To continue watching the Matildas, please switch to your personal streaming device or available screens throughout the stadium.”

There were roars of celebration around the ground when the Matildas won, from those who had been watching the game on their phones or smaller screens around the MCG.

The result of the Matildas match was also posted on the big screen at quarter-time.

How good. @MCG erupts. Similar scenes in lounge rooms everywhere. Go #Matildas#WorldCup2023pic.twitter.com/HgdsRY8TdI

— Jay Clark (@ClarkyHeraldSun) August 12, 2023