Sports governing bodies have met with UK government officials to discuss how they can help defuse rising tensions during the worst riots in a decade.

The violence in towns and cities across Britain and Northern Ireland since July 30 has been fuelled by online misinformation, far-right extremism and anti-immigration sentiment.

While anti-immigration protests were largely peaceful, more than 400 people were arrested and 140 people were charged.

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

Participants at the meeting included the Premier League, English Football League (EFL), Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Rugby Football League (RFL).

The domestic football season in England begins on Friday.

Minister for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy wants sports organisations and clubs to promote harmony and tolerance.

Government officials want the matches to take place as normal despite the additional strain on police resources as a result of the riots.

The RFU criticised “any act of racism and violence” and said rugby was “aimed to unite communities”.

“On behalf of our clubs, we encourage you to embrace your communities and keep yourselves and your neighbors safe,” it said.

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

There is no statement yet from the Premier League and EFL.