Football hooliganism is the term most often used to describe the violent and anti-social acts that have been connected with European soccer since the 1960's.  The idea of football hooliganism stems from attacks or assaults amongst rival hooligan gangs.  The label “hooliganism" applies to any act involving football supporters that occur before, after or during a game (Haley & Johnston).  The behaviors vary to include; riots, pitch invasions, the assaults of players, fighting, vandalism, drunk and disorderly offences, verbal and physical threats, the use of weapons, murder and mugging.  One strong argument for the rise of hooliganism stated that the hooligans were becoming more organized in their intent on causing damage (Haley & Johnston).  The hooligan's intent is demonstrated by what some researchers term as "pitch invasions".  This refers to the hooligan's plan to stop the game, or to purposely start fights with rival fans (Haley & Johnston).  They used the games as excuses to go to matches, and start fights with others (Marsh et al., 1996).

Violence has been associated with sports as far back as the 13th century (Football Violence in Europe).  The rise of hooliganism in the 1960's differentiated itself from other types of violence.  Meaning the increasing numbers of occurrences, and severity of the incidences.  The seriousness of hooliganism presented itself in communities like Liverpool and Everton.  The people labeled as football hooligans were as diverse as their behaviors.  Evidence suggested that the groups consisted of some members of the wealthy upper class but, for the most part, the working-class dominated.  The participants were predominantly male and most were assumed to be between the ages of 17 and 27 (Football & Football Hooliganism, 1997).  Between the years of 1961 and 1968, an average of 25 incidences were reported during each season in England (Football Violence in Europe).

In 1967, the act of “taking ends” became common in Liverpool.  Supporters of the visiting team would often sit behind their goalie, and fans of the home team would attempt to chase the rivals out of the area.  The goal of taking ends was to steal as many of the opposing team’s flags, scarves and signs as possible, and then throw in a few punches before the police intervened (Marsh et al., 1996).  These young men formed alliances and used the "goal end terraces" as their territory.   The battles that occurred as a result of these “ends” can be compared to modern day gang rivalries (Football & Football Hooliganism, 1997).

In its origin as a modern day crime of the 1960’s, football hooliganism was also been referred to as the "British Disease" (Football Violence in Europe-Executive Summary).  One of the contributing factors to the British Disease is often argued to be the presence of alcohol.  Alcohol played an important role in the emergence of football hooliganism.  The media in Britain, in particular, emphasized alcohol as the primary explanation for such unusually violent and unruly behavior (Football Violence in Europe-Executive Summary).  Other researchers claim that alcohol may effect the hooligans’ behavior, but explains that it is not a primary cause, since the hooligans appeared to be aggressive when consuming alcohol or not (Football & Football Hooliganism, 1997).

Furthermore, it has been suggested that the media itself may have increased the number of instances, by appealing to the hooligan's desire for fame and glory (Fact-Sheet Four: Hooliganism).  The tabloids sensationalize the instants and severity of the hooligan attacks, which some researchers argue, served to fan the flames (Football Violence in Europe-Executive Summary).  The hooligans took pride in their actions, and relished in the media attention they received.

Part 4: Aggression Theory