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

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.

More than 400 people have been arrested and 140 charged, while largely peaceful counter protests against anti-immigration have also taken place.

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

The English domestic football season starts on Friday.

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

Government officials are keen for fixtures to take place as normal despite the extra strain on police resources as a result of the riots.

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.