Words: Jonee // @Jonee13
Beneath the cheers, celebration and beautiful moments, there's a darker chapter in football’s history, particularly poignant in the United Kingdom during the latter half of the 20th century: the era of football hooliganism. This period, spanning roughly from the 1960s to the early 1990s, was marked by violence, social unrest, and a battle for the soul of the sport itself.
The origins of football hooliganism can be found embedded within the tribal affiliations and fierce rivalries that have always characterized football fandom. However, the term "hooligan" itself, which started to gain notoriety in the late 19th century, was not originally tied to football. It possibly derived from the surname of a notorious Irish family, the Houlihans, known for their rowdy behaviour in London's rough neighbourhoods. By the 1960s, "hooligan" had firmly attached itself to football violence, becoming a label for intentionally disruptive and violent behaviour at matches.
Post-World War II Britain provided fertile ground for hooliganism to flourish. Football was more than a sport; it was a cultural institution where local identity, pride, and sometimes aggression were expressed. The '50s and '60s saw a shift in societal dynamics with the rise of youth subcultures, pop culture, and a general sense of rebellion. Football matches became battlegrounds for these cultural expressions, where fans could assert dominance, often through violence.
The introduction of television further spread the spectacle of football and, inadvertently, the spectacle of football violence. Matches like those between Millwall and West Ham United became notorious for their post-match brawls, setting the stage for what would become a significant social issue. The media coverage, while often condemning, also brought a sense of notoriety to hooliganism, turning it into a perverse badge of honor for some.
Fans clash with riot police during England’s group game against Belgium at Euro 1980.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
The 1970s heralded a new era in football fandom, one that would indelibly mark the sport with the rise of "firms." These weren't just groups of fans; they were organized armies, each with its own culture, hierarchy, and mythology, deeply entwined with the identity of their clubs. The transformation from sporadic violence to structured aggression was a societal shift, reflecting broader cultural changes in Britain and beyond.
The firms began as informal groups of fans who shared a deep bond with their clubs, but they quickly evolved into something more organized. The Inter City Firm (ICF) of West Ham United, for instance, was notorious not just for the violence but for its structured leadership. At the top were "top boys" or leaders who commanded respect, often due to their ability to fight, organizational abilities, or sheer charisma. Below them were various ranks, from enforcers to scouts, each with roles that ranged from planning confrontations to gathering intelligence on rival firms.
The Red Army of Manchester United, the Bushwackers of Millwall, and Chelsea's Headhunters each had their unique identities but shared this common structure. They operated with a military-like discipline, where loyalty to the club was paramount, and betrayal was met with severe consequences.
Firms weren't just about violence; they were about belonging to a subculture where football was just one aspect of a broader lifestyle. This culture was heavily influenced by the punk and skinhead movements of the time, with music, fashion, and football intertwining to create a distinct identity.
Members often adopted specific looks; brands like Fred Perry and Dr. Martens boots became all the rage, symbols of their uniformity and readiness for conflict.
These ritualistic attitudes were central to firm culture. Pre-match gatherings were not just about drinking and chanting; they were strategic meetings where plans were laid out for potential encounters with rival fans. Songs and chants became tools of psychological warfare, with each firm developing its own, sometimes used to taunt rivals or bolster their own morale.
Liverpool FC fans in Brussels in 1978, dressed in casuals clothing.
Photo Credit: National Museums Liverpool
The concept of "away days" transformed the act of following a team into an all-day event. Travelling to an away match became a mission, where the journey was as significant as the game itself. Trains became iconic, not just for transportation but as mobile battlegrounds where confrontations could start even before reaching the destination. The idea of claiming territory extended beyond the pitch, with firms seeing train stations, pubs, and the streets around stadiums as extensions of their club's domain. These away days were meticulously planned. The thrill of these journeys, the camaraderie among members, and the adrenaline of potential conflict made these trips legendary within the subculture.
The media played a complex role in the rise of firms. Newspapers and television coverage brought these groups into the public eye, sometimes with a sensationalist flair that both condemned and celebrated their exploits. Documentaries like "Hooligan" by Donal MacIntyre gave an insider's view into their world, inadvertently adding to the allure for young men seeking identity or rebellion through football.
The coverage often focused on the most dramatic or violent incidents, creating a narrative where hooliganism was seen as an inevitable part of the football experience, thus perpetuating its growth. This notoriety could also serve as recruitment for the firms, with younger fans aspiring to be part of these infamous groups.
The rise of firms fundamentally altered football culture. It shifted the focus from the game to the surrounding chaos, where match days were as much about the confrontations as the football. This era saw fans become spectators to a different kind of performance, one where violence was the act, not the sport.
However, this period also sowed the seeds for its own downfall. The blatant aggression and the high-profile incidents involving firms drew such negative attention that it eventually led to societal and legislative backlash, setting the stage for the reforms of the 1980s and 1990s.
Hooliganism at the Heysel Stadium in May 1985.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
The 80s in British football are often remembered as the darkest chapter in the sport's history, where hooliganism reached its zenith. This decade was characterized by a series of high-profile, tragic incidents that not only tarnished football's image but also led to significant loss of life, prompting international scrutiny and a desperate need for reform.
The Heysel Stadium disaster in 1985 stands as one of the most infamous events of the decade. During the European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus in Brussels, a wall at the Heysel Stadium collapsed after Liverpool fans charged at Juventus supporters, leading to the deaths of 39 people, predominantly Juventus fans. This event was a culmination of years of escalating violence, but the scale of the tragedy forced a global evaluation of football hooliganism.
The aftermath was immediate and severe; English clubs were banned from European competitions for five years, a punishment that isolated English football from the continent. It was a moment that not only highlighted the lethal potential of football violence but also sparked a broader conversation about the culture of hooliganism and the responsibilities of clubs, fans, and governing bodies.
The same year, another tragedy struck at Bradford City's Valley Parade ground. Although not directly caused by hooliganism, the Bradford City fire during a match against Lincoln City resulted in the deaths of 56 fans, many due to the stadium's wooden structure catching fire. This disaster underscored the dire state of football infrastructure, where overcrowding, poor maintenance, and lack of safety measures created a perfect storm for tragedy. It was a wake-up call regarding the physical safety of supporters at matches, indirectly linked to the chaotic atmosphere hooliganism fostered.
In 1989, the Hillsborough disaster at Sheffield Wednesday's stadium during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest added to the grim toll of the decade. Ninety-six Liverpool fans were fatally crushed due to overcrowding and poor crowd management. AThe initial response from authorities was to blame the fans, reflecting the era's bias against football supporters. This disaster led to significant changes in crowd control, stadium design, and an eventual shift towards all-seater stadiums, marking a turning point in football safety.
The media's role in the '80s was paradoxical. Newspapers and television provided extensive coverage of hooliganism, often with sensationalist headlines that painted fans as savages. Phrases like "hooligan hordes" or "football's shame" became common, with some media outlets inadvertently glorifying the violence by focusing on the spectacle rather than the tragedy. The infamous "Achtung! Surrender!" headline before England's match against Germany in 1990 is a stark example of how media coverage could stoke nationalistic fervour or xenophobia, only serving to embolden hooligans and fuel further violence.
The political response was swift and harsh under Margaret Thatcher's government, which saw football hooliganism as part of a broader societal decay. The Football Spectators Act of 1989 was introduced, allowing for banning orders against known hooligans. This legislative approach criminalized hooligan behaviour, reflecting a broader societal crackdown on what was perceived as lawlessness among football fans. The lasting impact of this, where football fans are often wrongly treated as hooligans or violent members of an underclass, is still felt today.
Police step in to separate rival fans at a Crystal Palace v Spurs match, 1970s.
Photo Credit: MyLondon
The '80s ultimately saw a fan-led cultural backlash against hooliganism. Football fans themselves began to distance from the violence, with new fan groups emerging that focused on positive support and community. The beginnings of fan-led initiatives aimed at reclaiming the sport from its violent associations started here, though it would take time for these efforts to bear fruit.
On an international level, English football became synonymous with hooliganism. Matches involving English teams abroad were often met with heightened security and sometimes hostility from local fans, expecting trouble. The ban from European competitions not only affected the clubs but also the fans and the perception of English football as a whole, leading to a period of introspection and eventual reform.
Towards the end of the decade, there was a palpable shift. The tragedies, combined with the legislative and societal pushback, began to erode the culture of hooliganism. Clubs, fans, and football authorities started to seriously address the issue, leading to changes in how football was experienced, from the introduction of all-seater stadiums to better policing and fan education.
The 1980s were a crucible for football, a time when the game's violent excesses were laid bare before the world. This era was pivotal; it forced football to confront its demons, leading to reforms that would redefine the sport for future generations. The legacy of the '80s is one of tragedy and transformation, illustrating how even the darkest moments can lead to profound change when met with resolve and action.
The impact of football hooliganism in the 1980s wasn't confined to the stadiums; it permeated British society, influencing policy, public perception, and even personal freedoms. The government's response was multi-faceted; combining legislative action with societal reform, aiming to curb what was seen as an epidemic of violence.
Hooliganism wasn’t isolated to the UK - here, Lokomotive Leipzig fans clash with Dynamo Schwerin supporters.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Football hooliganism became a national embarrassment, with the media playing a pivotal role in shaping public perception. The tabloids and broadsheets often painted football fans with a broad, negative brush, contributing to a narrative where all supporters were potential hooligans. This portrayal not only stigmatized fans but also influenced policy, with a push for draconian measures to control perceived lawlessness.
The narrative extended beyond Britain, affecting the international view of English football culture. This global condemnation added pressure on the government to act decisively, as football hooliganism was now seen as a national character flaw.
Under the administration of Margaret Thatcher, who famously grouped hooliganism with the IRA and the striking miners as the "enemy within," there was a significant legislative response. The Football Spectators Act 1989 was perhaps the most direct legislative attack on hooliganism, allowing courts to issue banning orders. These orders could prevent individuals from attending football matches, both domestic and international. The aim was to deter repeat offenders and those with a history of violent behaviour from attending football games. The act was also a tool for managing known troublemakers by restricting their access to matches, thereby reducing the potential for violence.
Following the Hillsborough disaster, there was a move towards making football stadiums all-seater, reducing the likelihood of crushes and making it easier to manage crowd behaviour. This was part of a broader safety overhaul, but it also had implications for hooliganism, as standing terraces were often where large-scale confrontations took place. Additionally, recognising the role of alcohol in fuelling violence, a ban on its sale at football grounds was implemented. This measure aimed at reducing aggressive behaviour by limiting intoxication before and during matches, although it largely shifted the problem from stadiums to the streets and pubs.
The introduction of these measures sparked a significant debate over civil liberties. The proposed Football Membership Scheme, which would have required fans to carry identity cards to enter matches, was seen by many as an infringement on personal freedoms. Critics argued that it treated all fans as potential criminals, setting a dangerous precedent for surveillance in public spaces. While this specific proposal didn't come to fruition, it highlighted the tension between security needs and individual rights, a debate that would continue to echo in various forms of public policy.
The societal response wasn't solely legislative. There was a strong grassroots movement among fans and communities to reclaim football from the hooligans. Fan groups began to form and strengthen, advocating for better treatment of supporters and pushing back against the hooligan image. The Football Supporters' Association, for example, became more vocal in representing fans' interests, focusing on safety, rights, and positive engagement.
Clubs also started to engage more with their communities, recognizing that the future of football lay in family-friendly, inclusive environments. Initiatives like community outreach programs, youth academies and fan zones were steps towards reshaping the culture around matches, emphasizing community over conflict.
Over time, these combined efforts led to a shift in the culture of football attendance. The image of football gradually transformed from a sport associated with violence to one that could be enjoyed by families, women, and international visitors. This cultural shift was crucial in reducing hooliganism, as it altered the demographic and expectations of match days.
There was also an increased collaboration between government bodies and football governance. The Football Association, the Premier League, and other bodies worked more closely with law enforcement and policymakers to implement safety measures, fan education, and community programs. This partnership was vital for the sustained reduction in hooliganism, ensuring that changes were not just reactive but part of a broader strategy to safeguard and celebrate football.
The societal impact of football hooliganism in the '80s was profound, leading to legislative, cultural, and structural changes within British society and football. The government's response, while controversial, was part of a larger effort to address a significant social issue. The legacy of these actions is evident in modern football, where, for all its flaws, the sport has largely moved away from its violent past, focusing instead on inclusivity, community, and safety. The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) played a pivotal role in this cultural. Formed in 1985, the FSA began to advocate more aggressively for fans' rights, safety, and better treatment by both clubs and authorities. The association pushed for the recognition of fans not just as consumers but as an integral part of the football community, advocating against blanket condemnations of supporters and for policies that would enhance the match-going experience.
With the understanding that hooliganism was often perpetuated by younger fans, educational programs became a cornerstone of this change. Clubs and fan groups initiated programs that taught the history of football, emphasizing respect, sportsmanship, and community involvement. Schools and local clubs started to use football as a tool for social education, focusing on values like teamwork, discipline, and respect for opponents. But, one of the most significant changes was the effort to make football matches a more friendly environment, especially for people from minority backgrounds, women and children.
Clubs began to market themselves differently, focusing on amenities like family areas, junior memberships, and events that catered to all ages. This shift was not just about increasing attendance but about changing the nature of football support from the aggressive tribalism which had marred the last few decades. Along with the merging of the Women’s Football Association with the FA in 1993, the increased interest in fan-owned football and the renewed drive for Supporters’ Trusts to be founded, football found itself democratising in ways it hadn’t done before. Likewise, the media response shifted to focus on the incredible community initiatives being implemented by fan groups, along with films like Football Factory and Green Street becoming popular, despite some claims that they romanticised the hooligan subculture.
Ultimately, hooliganism and the response to it has led to many of the fan-led initiatives we have today. The cultural shifts of this period have left a lasting legacy on football. They've contributed to making football a more accessible and welcoming sport, where community and inclusivity are at the forefront.
FA in the Community work to give children opportunities through football.
Photo Credit: The FA