Essex Cricket postpones women's county fixture over far-right violence threat

The match between Essex Women and Kent Women, which was neither part of the ongoing Women's Twenty20 Cup nor the Women's County One Day competition, and was slated for August 7 at the County Ground in Chelmsford, has been postponed. This decision, according to an official statement from the club, comes in response to threats of potential far-right violent protests by extremists in the area. 

The statement also indicated that this decision was reached after consultation with various parties and stakeholders, emphasizing that safety was of utmost importance. It also cited that fans would be duly notified when a new date for the fixture would be arranged, and ticket purchasers would receive further information via email.

"In light of planned protests on Wednesday 07 August, the fixture between Essex Women and Kent Women at The Cloud County Ground has been postponed," read an official statement put forward on Essex Cricket's official website.

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"The safety of all spectators, players, and staff is paramount to Essex Cricket and the decision to postpone the fixture follows a period of consultation with Essex Police, the ECB and the diverse workforce at Essex Cricket. Fans will be notified when a new date has been arranged for the fixture and ticket purchasers will be contacted by the club via email with more information," included the same statement.

The postponement of the match follows ongoing violent protests in several cities in the UK. Over 400 individuals have been arrested in the past week due to riots orchestrated by far-right groups targeting asylum seekers and Muslim communities. The first riot erupted in Southport last week after a mass stabbing at a dance class, which resulted in the deaths of three young girls and injuries to several others.

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Numerous social media posts have indicated that far-right groups may be planning gatherings in Chelmsford and Southend on Wednesday evening, as reported by Wisden.