UK Riots Cast Shadow on Sports

It has been reported, external police investigations have shown links between far-right activists and organised football hooligan groups who have co-ordinated some of the violence.

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said “all options are being looked at”.

She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I am pretty confident football clubs, rugby clubs, and other big sporting institutions do not want to have people who have caused such violence and disorder in their communities on their stands at the weekend.

“I’m sure the secretary of state for culture, media and sport will be talking to those bodies about this.”

Clubs assure fans of safety

Four matches in the EFL, including Championship games involving Preston and Blackburn – where there have been riots in recent days, will take place on Friday.

Preston, who host Derby County at Deepdale, said they “fully expect Friday’s match to go ahead”.

“The football club has met with the SAG (Safety Advisory Group) and we do not anticipate there being any situation in where Friday’s match would be postponed,” a spokesperson told BBC Sport.

Newcastle United said “mitigation measures are in place” for friendlies at St James’ Park involving their men’s and women’s sides on Saturday, with protests planned in the city on the same day.

“I hope there is no confrontation or aggressive scenes. We want to see the place respected in the way it should be,” Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said at a news conference.

Middlesbrough, who host Swansea in the Championship on Saturday, backed the “strongest possible action” being taken against “scurrilous individuals” who caused disorder in the town.

“We support the continued efforts of our police and prosecutors to hold them to account,” they said.

Blackburn Rovers said there will be increased searches outside Ewood Park before their Championship season opener against Derby County on Friday night.

League One club Reading said there would be a “significant police presence” at their away match at Birmingham on Saturday evening and “are confident that the match will pass without incident”.

Premier League champions Manchester City face FA Cup winners Manchester United in the Community Shield at Wembley on Saturday

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