Sports bodies and government hold emergency call over civil unrest

The Premier League, English Football League and a number of other major governing bodies attended an emergency call with the government on Wednesday to discuss the potential for sport to be affected by the civil unrest across the country and how they can help to calm the rising tension.

The Guardian has learned that senior officials from various entities were invited to a call with representatives from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Alongside representatives from the Premier League and EFL, there were figures from the England and Wales Cricket Board, Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union in attendance. Sport England and UK Sport were among other bodies also invited on to the call.

It was reiterated that sport due to go ahead in England this weekend – headlined by the start of the new EFL season – is not under threat despite growing instances of widespread protests and counter-protests. Instead, government officials – led by Lisa Nandy, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport – are hoping sports, and especially clubs, can use their influence to promote cohesion and tolerance within their communities. The government was keen to emphasise the messaging that live sport remains a safe and welcoming environment for all spectators.

Governing bodies and clubs are likely to start conveying such messages. Sheffield United begin their Championship campaign away at Preston on Friday evening and they announced on Wednesday they were closing their Bramall Lane home early because of protests in the city centre.

“Sheffield United places Equality, Diversity and Inclusion [EDI] at the heart of our culture and believes racism has no place in Sheffield or anywhere,” the club said. “We encourage Blades fans to stand together, united, in these difficult times.”

Rugby is all about uniting communities. No more so than at times like these. pic.twitter.com/OgN80ZeDG4 — England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) August 7, 2024

The Super League will also host a full round of fixtures this weekend and the rugby league governing body posted a statement on X calling for a de-escalation of tensions. “Today, and over the coming days, we ask supporters everywhere to stay safe, to respect each other, to celebrate the diversity of our communities and to show the world the best of rugby league,” the RFL said.

The Super League’s Hull FC called for “calm, cohesion and tolerance” after unrest in the city last weekend, with more expected in the coming days. “We ask our supporters to stay safe by strictly avoiding any pockets of disorder that may occur across the city tonight and over the coming days,” the club said.

The RFU also posted a statement on X condemning “all acts of racism and violence”, adding: “They do not reflect the sport of rugby union, nor its values. For our clubs, we encourage you to put your arms around your respective communities and keep yourselves and your neighbours safe. Rugby is all about uniting communities. No more so than at times like these.”

Clubs in a number of sports have been preparing for the possible impact caused by any unrest in their local areas, which could have implications on the policing of matches.

The DCMS declined to comment.

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