UK riots: Police ready for start of Championship and EFL season after disorder

Police forces are “well prepared” for the English league season starting this weekend despite the potential for more civil disorder, says the UK’s Football Policing Unit lead.

Violence in towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland since 30 July has been fuelled by misinformation online, the far-right and anti-immigration sentiment.

A total of 483 people have been arrested and 149 charged so far, while largely peaceful counter protests against anti-immigration demonstrations have also taken place.

Chief constable Mark Roberts said there is “no suggestion” that any football fixtures will be postponed in light of the extra strain on police resources as a result of the riots.

Roberts said: “The UK Football Policing Unit [UKFPU] have been working closely with all forces, the Premier League, the English Football League [EFL] and other national policing bodies to support the start of the new football season.

“Should there be any issues, be they purely football related or linked to the violent incidents of earlier in the week, then forces are well prepared with significantly more public order officers available than normal.

“It is important we allow the overwhelming majority of fans to enjoy the start of the new season in safety.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged that forces will be on “high alert” with “football added in the mix”.

Sports governing bodies met UK government officials earlier this week to discuss how they can help calm rising tensions.

BBC Sport understands the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) held a video call on Wednesday with representatives of several organisations to discuss how sport will be impacted.

The Premier League, EFL, Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Rugby Football League (RFL) were among those who attended.

Lisa Nandy – Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport – wants sporting bodies and clubs to promote cohesion and tolerance.

The RFU criticised “all acts of racism and violence” and said rugby was “about uniting communities”.

“For our clubs, we encourage you to put your arms around your respective communities and keep yourselves and your neighbours safe,” it said.

The RFL said “inclusion is in rugby league’s DNA” and asked supporters to “respect each other, to celebrate the diversity of our communities” and to “show the world the best of rugby league”.

The Football Association, Premier League and the EFL have yet to comment.