How the UK got rid of Hooliganism

Hooligans, or anti-fans, are a problem in many countries where football is popular. But is there a way of dealing with these violent problem-makers? Actually there is.

We can sort football fans in three categories. First, we find in the audience, people like you and me, who rather go to the stadium from time to time to enjoy the atmosphere and a big game than really to cheer for their beloved football club. This audience is mainly peaceful and respectful and don't make any trouble.

Then, we have a fringe of football fans called ‘Ultras’. These groups of fans are the most passionate, fully dedicated to their football club. They are organized in associations with their own colours, songs and sections in the stadium. During the match, there is no rest for the ‘Ultras’, they make visual performances with banners, fireworks and choreographies. They sing and shout all match long to support their team and intimidate the opponent. These groups are provocative and hot-headed but they are not usually aimed at a direct clash with other fans. However, when the rivalry between two clubs is extremely strong, ‘Ultras’ can look for a fight with their peers from the other club. ‘Ultras’ contribute to build up the reputation of a club and are part of its success.

Violent, unruly and destructive behaviour are the main features of hooligans, the third football
fans category. Hooligan groups have a strong sense of identity. Each group has their own codes, practices and rivalry. However, all of them actually don't care for the match or the result or their club. They use football matches only as a pretext for conflict. They go to the stadium in order to make some damages. They smash shop windows, set rubbish bins on fire and chase fans of the opposing team to beat them up. Consequences of such foolish behaviour can be really dramatic. In extreme cases, football fans, policemen and bystanders have been killed in such riots because of Hooligans.

Hooliganism is not a recent phenomenon. We can trace it back to the 14th century in the United Kingdom. However, this movement has grown up from the 1960's especially in the UK to reach its peak in early 1990’s. At this time, almost every match was a witness of extremely violent fights involving hooligans from both teams. Authorities were overwhelmed and inefficient to curb this issue. Moreover, hooliganism wasn't only a British concern, it affected every country from Europe to Africa and unfortunately still remains alive in some of them.

When we turned to the 20th century, the English government decided to tackle this major problem and to take drastic measures to fight against hooliganism. Today, fifteen years after the implementation of the first set of measures in the United Kingdom, we can say that it was a success. British football stadiums are ones of the safest in Europe and violent incidents remain very rare. Even fences have been removed between sections and the pitch. How has the United Kingdom succeeded to solve these problems related to hooliganism?

First of all, English authorities have been brave in reinforcing the legislation. Brave because the United Kingdom didn't step back in front of waves of protests coming from some groups of football fans who were strictly opposed to the new rules. The strategy implemented was based on the principle of ‘zero tolerance’ Problematic fans have been identified and kept on file by the police. As soon as they were convinced as responsible for hooliganism, they were banned from football stadiums forever. Control of fans has been made possible by the introduction of
cameras in the stadiums in order to constantly keep an eye on them. This strategy was very efficient in restoring a peaceful atmosphere around the football matches. At the same time, clubs increased ticket prices a lot, following the double objective to make the club more profitable and to attract a new audience. This last measure wasn't well accepted by football fans. Mainly, they come from the lowest classes of the society and they can't afford tickets for a match anymore. They argue that this measure is leading football to be more exclusive and reserved to a wealthy elite.

I have to admit that nowadays when we look at the audience of a football match in the United
Kingdom, we see more businessmen wearing suits than real devoted fans. Nevertheless, and even if it’s regrettable that the real football audience has gradually disappeared from the stadiums, today there is no longer a safety issue concerning football matches.

So, hats off to the United Kingdom that showed us that with persistence and conviction it's possible to find a way to fight hooliganism. Countries where hooliganism is still alive should take the UK as an example and start to consider seriously this problem because violence is never welcomed in sports.