Premier League warns clubs over Football Lads Alliance amid fears of growing far-right influence at grounds

THE Premier League have issued a warning about the growing profile of the Football Lads Alliance in grounds.

Fears are growing the the movement started year is beginning to push an anti-Muslim agenda at grounds across the country.

The FLA was set-up in the wake of the London Bridge terror attack in 2017 which saw eight people killed.

Initially it was established as an “anti-extremist” movement, but an investigation by the has revealed the group is being influenced by far-right activists with a more sinister agenda.

They attended a recent FLA rally in Birmingham were they saw evidence of threatening behaviour towards Asians and heard speeches against Muslims in the UK.

One of those on the march was former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson, who was lauded as a celebrity by many of those in attendance.

Only this week the FLA Twitter account re-tweeted a post that said: “If you’re worried about the Muslim invasion, then the FLA is where it’s at now.”

And they claim the group’s private Facebook page houses racist posts against London mayor Sadiq Khan and Labour MP Diane Abbott.

TOBACCO FLOCK Football bosses fears over banned snus tobacco pouch use on the rise in English football

An increasing number of banners bearing the FLA logo and message have been seen in football grounds across the country over the course of this season.

It is causing concern among football bosses in Britain, worried that an anti-Muslim message is being pedalled by some attending games.

The Premier League have held meetings with the police to gain a greater understanding of the threat posed.

And now they are sending out a warning to the clubs to be vigilant about the growing popularity of the FLA and the dangers it could pose.

They said in a statement: “The Premier League has recently discussed the Football Lads Alliance with the UK Football Policing Unit, and the Home Office.

“These reports are very concerning and, while it is up to individual clubs to determine which banners and flags they allow in their stadiums, we will bring this to their attention.

“Premier League football is open to everyone and clubs work hard to encourage welcoming and friendly environments in their stadiums.”

There move comes as Piara Powar, the executive director of Football Against Racism in Europe, urges clubs to take a zero tolerance approach to any FLA banners.

Powar said: “On no account should any football club be allowing their banners into the stadium.

“There is concern about this group veering into far-right activity. Tommy Robinson is known for his far-right commitment and he was at the march.

“This is about people using football as a vehicle to escalate a far-right message in a way we have seen before, going back as far as the National Front and BNP.”