Man Utd, Arsenal and co. asked by Keir Starmer to help tackle far-right riots

Sir Keir Starmer has urged football clubs across the country to call for an end to the far-right violence sweeping through the nation, according to reports. Widespread rioting has taken place in several major cities over the last few days, with police arresting more than 400 people.

Downing Street representatives have made a direct request to chiefs from football, rugby and cricket clubs in a bid to end the violence, according to the Daily Mail. It is said that a Zoom call took place on Wednesday in which senior figures were urged to issue calls for calm.

The government are reportedly keen to ensure that all planned fixtures take place with zero disruption over the weekend. It has already been reported that EFL matches will go ahead despite the strain on police forces caused by the rioting on Britain’s streets.

Officials are said to be hopeful that pleas for calm from professional clubs to their supporters will have an impact in stopping the violence. It has prompted clubs to consider upping security at their matches, with a full EFL schedule taking place this weekend in addition to the Community Shield at Wembley.

The EFL are backing the government’s call but are keen for clubs not to directly involve themselves in political issues. A template has reportedly been sent to the 72 clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two, which they feel fits the bill.

It remains to be seen if the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal will be affected when the Premier League season begins next weekend. Thousands of anti-racism protesters held mostly peaceful demonstrations on Wednesday evening, offering hope that the situation is finally calming down.

Starmer has promised that communities will be kept safe in spite of the disorder, having chaired two meetings of the government’s emergency Cobra committee in response to the widespread unrest.

On Tuesday, the prime minister said: “They will be safe. We’re doing everything we can to ensure that where a police response is needed, it’s in place, where support is needed for particular places, that it is in place.

“Obviously, it’s a difficult situation with disorder going on in a number of different places at the same time, but that is precisely why I held my second Cobra meeting today to coordinate the response and to get the assurance that I want and need that we do have adequate police in place, that we are able to cope with this disorder.

“Those involved will feel the full force of the law. Over 400 people now have been arrested, 100 have been charged, some in relation to online activity, and a number of them are already in court. I’m now expecting substantive sentencing before the end of this week.

“That should send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, that you are likely to be dealt with within a week. Nobody, but nobody, should be involving themselves in this disorder.”