MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Magpies and Bombers teams stand in line for a minutes silence during the ANZAC observance during the round 6 AFL match between Essendon and Collingwood at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

More than 30 football fans have fallen ill with symptoms of food poisoning following the Bombers’ President’s Function at the Melbourne Cricket Game prior to the Anzac Day clash.

The lunch hosted over 600 attendees, including Kevin Sheedy, Gillon McLachlan and Eddie McGuire, with several patrons needing further treatment in hospital, confirmed the MCC.

Ambulance Victoria were rushed to the Olympic Room at the MCG to treat over 30 guests attending the $725-a-seat lunch.

“A small number of those assessed were taken to hospital in a stable condition,” a spokesperson told the Herald Sun.

McGuire revealed that guests were “dropping like flies” this morning on his Triple M Hot Breakfast show.

“I didn’t see anyone throwing up but 14 people hit the deck before the opening bounce,” he said.

“As we stood outside for the minute’s silence, people were fair dinkum hitting the deck left, right and centre around me. I hear collapses against the door and the windows.”
The MCC have revealed they are investigating the incident, with AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan telling 3AW that the cause will be known by 1pm.
“My understanding is people are okay today, not downplaying it but it’s not a longer-term issue,” he said.
“I didn’t see vomiting, but I saw some people distressed and light-headed.”
A 3AW caller further added that she soon fell ill after eating the rabbit and chicken terrine at the lunch.

“It was strange that everything seemed to happen at about the same time with everyone,” she told 3AW.

“A young man in the row in front of me passed out and I’d been feeling like I was going to faint at about the time it happened to him.”