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Football hooliganism

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Football hooliganism is a type of violence caused by spectators at football matches. These fans often form groups to attack supporters of other teams. These groups are sometimes called pseudo-tribes. Hooliganism can happen before, during, or after a game. It can also happen in the streets or far away from the stadium.

Plastic chairs on the stadion broken by soccer hooligans. Bryansk, Russia, 2008
Plastic chairs on the stadion broken by soccer hooligans. Bryansk, Russia, 2008

Some people call this behavior "aggro" or "bovver." Hooligans might also follow national teams to different countries. They may even get involved in trouble with the general public. This behavior is different from groups called Ultras. Ultras mainly want to support their team with flags and chants.

PSG Ultras in 2019
PSG Ultras in 2019

There are many ways that hooligans cause trouble. They might start fires or engage in fighting with weapons. Some fans use hateful speech to hurt others. They may even throw objects like bottles or bananas at players. In 2014, a fan threw a banana at player Dani Alves. This was a racial attack based on a mean stereotype.

Hooligans of Spartak Moscow 1
Hooligans of Spartak Moscow 1

Sometimes, fans act out because a player makes a mistake. In 1994, a Colombian player named Andres Escobar was killed after a mistake. This shows how extreme the violence can become. Hooligans often sit in a specific section of the stadium. In England, this area is often called an "end."

This problem has existed for a very long time. The first modern cases were recorded in England during the 1880s. In 1885, fans attacked players with stones and sticks. One player even lost consciousness from the fighting. In 1886, fans fought at a railway station. This was the first time violence happened away from a match.

Cestereg grafit house4
Cestereg grafit house4

By the 1960s, England reported about 25 incidents every year. The term "football hooliganism" first appeared in the media during the mid-1960s. This helped more people learn about the disorder. Before this, the media did not pay as much attention to it.

Many things can cause these violent actions to happen. Some fans feel a strong sense of local pride. This is sometimes called "local patriotism." Other times, the violence is about politics or religion. In the 1990s, violence in Croatia was linked to the breakup of Yugoslavia.

Czech police 02
Czech police 02

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, some fans follow extremist political ideas. A study in Germany found that violent crime goes up on match days. During big rivalry games, violent crime increased by 63 percent. Researchers say that identity and power can also play a role. Some people even think that the way police act can cause more trouble.

Today, many rules are in place to keep fans safe. Hooliganism was at its highest in the mid-1990s. Since then, clubs and police have worked to stop it. Many stadiums now only use plastic bottles. This stops fans from throwing heavy bottles at others. Some places also limit where people can drink alcohol.

At the 2016 Euros, officials even suggested a total ban on alcohol. If a riot starts, police may use water cannons or tear gas. These tools help the police control the large crowds. Because of these changes, violence at games has decreased significantly.

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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-1990-0414-009, FDGB-Pokal, 1. FC Lok Leipzig - Dynamo Schwerin, Ausschreitungen.jpg
Bundesarchiv Bild 183-1990-0414-009,...
File:PSG_Ultras_in_2019.jpg
PSG_Ultras_in_2019.jpg
File:Czech police 02.JPG
Czech police 02.JPG
File:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-1990-0408-011, FC Carl Zeiss Jena - FC Berlin, Ausschreitungen.jpg
Bundesarchiv Bild 183-1990-0408-011, FC...
File:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-1990-0407-027, FC Carl Zeiss Jena - FC Berlin 1-1, Ausschreitungen.jpg
Bundesarchiv Bild 183-1990-0407-027, FC...
File:PSV Hooligans.jpg
PSV Hooligans.jpg
File:Hooligans of Spartak Moscow 1.jpg
Hooligans of Spartak Moscow 1.jpg
File:Plastic chairs on the stadion broken by soccer hooligans. Bryansk, Russia, 2008.jpg
Plastic chairs on the stadion broken by...
File:Cestereg grafit house4.jpg
Cestereg grafit house4.jpg
File:Praha, Staré Město, Můstek, tag HCZ.JPG
Praha, Staré Město, Můstek, tag HCZ.JPG
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