Sussex Police’s message comes amid reports of further protests in the county this evening.
Violent protests have been causing destruction across the country since the tragic Southport stabbings which killed three girls last week.
There were rumours that disorder was going to spread to Brighton and Hastings on Wednesday night.
But in Brighton, counter-protesters massively outnumbered half a dozen anti-immigration protesters.
Some 2,000 people attended Queen’s Road where a peaceful protest took place. There were no incidents of note and one man was arrested and then de-arrested.
Police, businesses and residents are now gearing up to prepare for more potential protests.
Posts being shared on social media suggest both protesters and counter-protesters could clash at several locations across Crawley this evening.
The town council said the reports are unverified but that it will stand against any racism or abuse.
Read more: In pictures: Brighton avoids violent scenes as thousands counter-protest
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Court said there will be a continued police presence and additional policing resources to maintain peace and prevent disorder.
“The message remains the same,” he said.
“Anyone planning to take part in criminal disorder in Sussex will regret their actions. Do not do it. Our officers are mobilised and fully prepared, and the ramifications for those involved will stretch far beyond the conclusion of any incidents.
“Please do speak to local officers for reassurance and report any concerns to the police via the usual channels – online, through 101 or by dialling 999 in an emergency.”
Following this week’s events, Sussex County Football Association has issued a statement telling people that football in the county is for everyone and to emphasise its commitment to stamping out racism from the sport.
“As an organisation, we wanted to emphasise that we stand with every member of our community against racism and discrimination in any form, both on and off the pitch,” the statement said.
“Football plays a vital role in community across Sussex and brings people together like no other sport. Racism divides these communities, and we have a key role in actively bringing people together, challenging racism and discrimination to make football a game for all our players, parents/carers, coaches, referees, volunteers, supporters and employees.
“We have worked hard to build safe and inclusive environments with a strong disability league, regular matches/festivals for LGBTQ+ and projects to work with our county’s diverse ethnic minorities, refugee, faith and traveller communities.
“Our Inclusion Advisory Group (IAG) was established back in 2016, and we have worked hard to make this group representative of our communities, to help support our work on inclusion throughout our strategies and everyday practices.
“We need to ensure that our players, coaches and volunteers have a trustworthy and robust process to report racial abuse and racism. We continue to work with our IAG to develop, promote and implement this disciplinary process. We will also continue to work with our referees so that they identify and report issues of racism.
“This statement outlines our intention to remain committed to eliminating discrimination and racism from the game and we will continue our endeavours to work harder to remove the systemic barriers for those who watch and support the game and our players, coaches, volunteers and employees to tackle racism, to make football for ALL’.”
Source link
[Featured]
[Just In]
