Anzac Day Respect Prevails as Booing Incidents Are Drowned Out by Applause
During the Anzac Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG on May 2, 2026, the crowd responded with cheers and applause to the Welcome to Country delivered by Wurundjeri elder and ADF veteran Uncle Colin Hunter Jr.
One individual who attempted to boo was reportedly escorted out of the venue by security after being told to be quiet by other attendees.
This event follows an earlier incident at the Anzac Day dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance, where boos were heard during a Welcome to Country by Bunurong elder Uncle Mark Brown, a former ADF member.
Similar incidents of booing were reported elsewhere, including in Sydney, where a person was arrested.
Journalist Rohan Connolly noted on X that the Welcome to Country in the MCC members stand was warmly and respectfully applauded.