The Premier League, English Football League and numerous other major football bodies attended an emergency meeting with the Government on Wednesday to discuss the potential impact of the current social unrest across the country on the sport and how they can help calm rising tensions.

The Guardian has learned that several senior officials from various agencies were invited to a conference call with representatives from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on Wednesday afternoon. In addition to representatives from the Premier League and EFL, representatives from the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Rugby Football League and the Rugby Football Union were also present. Other organisations also invited to the conference call included Sport England and UK Sport.

It was reiterated that sporting events planned for this weekend in England – most notably the opening weekend of the new EFL season – were not in danger, despite increasing cases of widespread protests and counter-demonstrations. Instead, government officials – led by Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport – hope that sport, and clubs in particular, can use their influence to promote cohesion and tolerance within local communities. The government was keen to stress that live sport remains a safe and welcoming environment for all spectators.

Such messages are likely to be spread by governing bodies and clubs in the run-up to the weekend. Sheffield United kicks off its Championship season away to Preston North End on Friday night and announced on Wednesday that it would close its home stadium in Bramall Lane early due to protests in the city centre. “At Sheffield United, equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our culture and we believe that racism has no place in Sheffield or anywhere else,” a club statement said. “We encourage Blades fans to stick together and be united during these difficult times.”

Super League will also host a full round of matches this weekend and Rugby League’s governing body released a statement on X on Wednesday afternoon calling for a de-escalation of tensions. “Today and in the days ahead, we ask fans everywhere to keep themselves safe, respect each other, celebrate the diversity of our communities and show the world the best side of Rugby League,” the RFL said.

Super League club Hull FC also issued a statement on Wednesday calling for “calm, solidarity and tolerance” after unrest broke out in the city last weekend, and said more unrest is expected in the coming days. “We ask our fans to pay attention to their safety and strictly avoid trouble spots that may occur across the city this evening and in the coming days,” the club said.

The RFU also released a statement on X condemning “all acts of racism and violence,” adding: “They do not reflect the sport of rugby union or its values. We encourage our clubs to support their respective communities and protect themselves and their neighbours. Rugby is about uniting communities, and this is especially true at times like these.”

Clubs in many sports are preparing for the potential impact of any unrest in their regions this weekend, which could impact police surveillance of the games.

The DCMS declined to comment.