Officials from sports governing bodies have conference with UK government representatives to explore ways to alleviate escalating tensions amid the most severe riots in ten years.
The unrest in various English towns and cities, as well as Northern Ireland, has been driven by online misinformation, far-right ideologies, and anti-immigrant feelings since July 30.
Over 400 individuals have been arrested, with 140 facing charges, while numerous largely peaceful counter-protests against anti-immigration sentiments have occurred.
Sources at BBC Sport reveal that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) conducted a video conference on Wednesday with representatives from multiple organizations to discuss the effect on sports.
Attendees included the Premier League, English Football League (EFL), Rugby Football Union (RFU), and Rugby Football League (RFL).
The domestic football season in England is set to commence on Friday.
Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, is advocating for sports organizations and clubs to foster unity and tolerance.
Government representatives are eager to see that scheduled matches proceed as planned, despite the added demands on police resources from the ongoing riots.
The RFU condemned “all acts of racism and violence,” emphasizing that rugby is about “bringing communities together.”
“We urge our clubs to embrace their communities and ensure the safety of themselves and their neighbors,” the RFU stated.
The RFL highlighted that “inclusion is integral to rugby league” and called on supporters to “respect one another, celebrate our communities’ diversity,” and “show the world the best of rugby league.”
The Premier League and EFL have not yet issued a statement.
