Government makes urgent plea to sports clubs to condemn far-right riots wreaking havoc across England… amid fears that a strain on police could impact upcoming sporting events
- The government has asked sports clubs to condemn the violence
- Far-right groups have led riots across England, with hundreds of people arrested
- The EFL has assured teams that the opening weekend games must still go ahead
The government has called on the country’s sports clubs to call for an end to the riots that have hit the country and to send a message of community cohesion.
Mail Sport has learned that Downing Street representatives made a direct appeal via Zoom to the leaders of football, rugby, cricket and other disciplines on Wednesday in a bid to end the violence.
They want to make absolutely sure that all scheduled matches go ahead and that there is no disruption as a result of the appalling scenes that have unfolded on the streets of England.
EFL teams have been assured that the opening weekend matches are unlikely to be postponed despite the pressure on police resources brought about by the far-right-led protests.
The situation is being closely monitored and officials hope that the appeals for calm from the professional clubs to their followers will have an effect.
The government has called on the country’s sports clubs to call for an end to the riots that have shaken the country
Far-right riots have caused chaos across England and hundreds of people have since been arrested.
Mail Sport has learned that Downing Street representatives have made a direct appeal to the leaders of football, rugby, cricket and other sports in a bid to end the violence
Clubs in various sports disciplines are currently considering whether they should improve security at matches.
The EFL supports the government’s call, but wants clubs to avoid directly involving themselves in political issues.
To this end, a template was sent to them, which they believe is satisfactory.