Casey, Australia — A family outing to an AC/DC concert took a dramatic turn when a 26-year-old man was assaulted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 16. Kelly Warren, the owner of Bk 2 Basics, is urgently seeking eyewitnesses and video footage to help identify the attackers involved in the incident.
The confrontation occurred around 9 p.m. during the concert, where Kelly’s son, Keenan Warren, was reportedly assaulted after he stood up to enjoy the performance. He sustained severe facial injuries, including a broken nose and damage to both eyes, which may require surgical intervention, according to his mother.
Witnesses speculate that two men, believed to be between 30 and 40 years old and positioned several rows behind Keenan and his father, Craig Warren, initiated the violence. “Keenan was sitting down, completely unaware, when they struck him from the side and continued the attack,” Kelly Warren explained in a social media post recounting the ordeal.
As Keenan received medical attention, his father confronted the assailants, leading to his own eviction from the venue by police and security personnel. “Craig has never had any trouble with the law and was only trying to get clarification after witnessing his son being beaten,” Kelly noted. The police later stated that both men were removed from the concert without further incident.
The Warrens manage a non-profit organization in Narre Warren dedicated to assisting individuals facing food insecurity and homelessness. The incident has drawn attention not only due to the physical assault but also because it occurred under the watch of a prominent venue. A relative who gifted the concert tickets has lodged a formal complaint with the MCG, expressing that the violence was “unacceptable and deeply distressing.”
In her complaint, the relative detailed that the men were seated in Section M18-2, Row K, Seats 17 and 18, and described the events leading up to the attack. “After they stood to enjoy the concert—something typical at live performances—a group of women behind them made inappropriate comments,” she wrote. In an attempt to alleviate any tension, Craig approached them, only to be violently attacked by the two assailants, who had no ties to the initial confrontation.
The psychological impact of the incident has also been significant. Kelly reported that both Keenan and Craig have experienced profound emotional stress since the altercation. “This has taken a toll not just physically but mentally on both of them,” she remarked.
Police reported that a total of 24 individuals were ejected from the venue that night, primarily for disorderly conduct. The MCG has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding security measures and protocols that were in place during the concert.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and are encouraging anyone with information or video footage of the incident to reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit tips online. As the family seeks justice, the concert incident raises concerns about safety at live events, prompting discussions about the need for improved crowd management and security in venues.