The threat to player and fan safety was deemed too great a risk to play through.

“It feels like we’re back in COVID, with all this uncertainty. It wasn’t that long ago so all those feelings have come flooding back,” Lions coach Chris Fagan said.

“I’ve seen the carnage that they’ve caused at different points in Australian history so I’m not to keen on the idea of things going ahead if it’s going to be like that.”

The Lions and the Cats are on bye in round 3 so that may be a viable option for a rescheduled game.

The AFL is also postponing Saturday’s Suns and Essendon game at Carrara, with a new date to be advised.

In the NRL, the Dolphins were due to host the Rabbitohs on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium. That game will now be played at Sydney’s Commbank Stadium, the league said.

The Roar have called off their women’s match at Perry Park on Saturday and will likely move it to next week.

The Australian Boardriders Battle grand final, the Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships, WPGA tournament, Women’s A-League and the Mooloolaba Triathlon have all been either cancelled or postponed.

Organisers for tomorrow’s Green Day concert at CBUS Stadium and Saturday’s Jewel Race Meeting, both on the Gold Coast, are monitoring the situation.

Further cancellations, including junior and amateur sports, smaller community events and local markets, are likely.