The Premier League, in English Soccer League and numerous other key government bodies attended an emergency call with the government on Wednesday to discuss the potential for sport to be affected by the current civil unrest across the country and how they can help calm the growing tension.
The Guardian has learned that a number of senior officials from a number of bodies were invited to a call with representatives from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on Wednesday afternoon. Alongside representatives from the Premier League and EFL, there were also figures from the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Rugby League and the Football League. rugby football union Other bodies invited to the call included Sport England and UK Sport.
It was reiterated that sport planned to take place in England this weekend, headlined by the opening weekend of the new EFL season, is not in jeopardy despite increasing instances of widespread protests and counter-protests. Instead, government officials, led by Lisa Nandy, the culture, media and sport secretary, hope that sports, and especially clubs, can use their influence to promote cohesion and tolerance within local communities. The government was keen to emphasise the message that live sport remains a safe and welcoming environment for all spectators.
Governing bodies and clubs are likely to begin getting these messages out in the run-up to the weekend. Sheffield United begin their Championship On Friday night, the club campaigned at Preston North End and on Wednesday announced it would close its Bramall Lane stadium earlier than planned due to 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 else,” read a statement from the club. “We encourage Blades fans to stand together, united, in these difficult times.”
Super League will also host a full round of matches this weekend and rugby league's governing body released a statement on X on Wednesday afternoon calling for a de-escalation of tensions. “Today, and in the coming days, we are asking fans around the world to stay safe, respect each other, celebrate the diversity of our communities and show the world the best of rugby league,” the RFL said.
Super League side Hull FC also issued a statement on Wednesday calling for “calm, cohesion and tolerance” following unrest in the city last weekend, with more expected in the coming days. “We ask our supporters to stay safe by strictly avoiding any outbreak of disorder that may occur in the city tonight and in the coming days,” the club said.
The RFU also released a statement on X condemning “all acts of racism and violence”, adding: “They do not reflect the sport of rugby or its values. In the case of our clubs, we encourage them to embrace their respective communities and keep themselves and their neighbours safe. Rugby is about bringing communities together. And even more so in times like these.”
Clubs across a number of sports have been preparing for the potential impact of any unrest in their local areas this weekend, which could have implications for the policing of matches.
DCMS declined to comment.
