Firefighters’ Union boss Peter Marshall says it’s “likely” fireworks planned for the MCG last Wednesday night would have caused problems.

The UFU boss joined Neil Mitchell on Tuesday to ‘set the record straight’ over what happened at the AFL season opener.

A huge half-time fireworks display had been planned for the clash between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs, but those plans were abandoned at the last-minute in a decision the Demons said they couldn’t understand.

The 3500 square metres of flammable cladding that covers part of the stadium’s Northern Stand was the source of concern.

“Fire services do not take the decisions lightly,” Peter Marshall told Neil Mitchell.

Mr Marshall said he was of the understanding Fire Rescue Victoria would have allowed the display to go ahead on the proviso fire trucks were stationed around the stadium.

“My understanding is that the offer was rejected,” he said.

“Was there a cost involved? I think FRV probably would have charged an hour for each appliance, that’s not uncommon.”

He said firefighters made no apology for putting public safety first.

“Imagine the chaos if they had to evacuate,” he said.

“This stuff travels very quickly.”

Press PLAY below to hear Peter Marshall speak with Neil Mitchell

(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)