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Why are England fans so violent?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 22, 2026

Violence at football matches has been a feature of English life since the formation of the first leagues in the 19th century, and was a natural by-product of fierce team rivalries and a drinking culture that made the pub as important a venue as the stadium for many fans.

Why are English fans called hooligans?

The word "hooliganism" was recorded at the early '60s where Greek students in the UK who had experienced the phenomenon of hooliganism there first taught the term to the journalists who were unable to explain why the fans were fighting each other and gave this situation a name.

Which football team has the most violent fans UK?

Millwall Bushwackers (Millwall)

The Millwall Bushwackers are the most notorious of them all and are among the worst behaved football fans England. Active since 1972 the Millwall Bushwackers have an extensive rap sheet.

Why are football fans hooligans?

Football hooliganism dates back to 1349, when football originated in England during the reign of King Edward III. When villages played one another, the villagers main goal involved kicking the ball into their rival's church. King Edward banned the game as it distracted his subjects and caused constant social unrest.

Which football club has the most violent fans?

Millwall F.C.

The Bushwackers are the most famous of their hooligan and thug supporter groups. The group, usually consisting of anywhere from 200-250 at a time, are by far the most fanatical supporters of the club.

40 related questions found

Are English football fans the worst?

[...] English fans have come to be regarded in Continental football circles as by far and away the worst in Europe, if not the world.

Which country has the hardest football hooligans?

Russian football is rife with hooligan culture and violence, with the top clubs having firms of their own. They came into prominence in the 1970s and are regarded as one of the most violent hooligans in the footballing world.

Do other countries have football violence?

Internally, however, fans tend to cause more trouble at 'away' matches than when supporting their team at home. This is a common pattern across Europe. Apart from Britain, the nations currently experiencing the most significant problems of football-related violence are: Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Is soccer a violent sport?

Soccer is a relatively safe activity, with an injury rate of one-fifth to one-half of that in American football. But you can still get hurt. Soccer involves quick start-and-stop motions and physical contact, which can lead to injury.

What is the most hated English football club?

1sports1 have said: “In a survey conducted in 2019, Chelsea were voted the most disliked club in English Premier League. Many of the Chelsea fans would say that they're only hated because the football world is jealous of their money and skill — and it could be true.

Who is Andy Swallow?

Andy Swallow, 53, walked free after prosecutors decided not to retry him after his trial collapsed. He was said to have plotted 'mass violence' between Millwall and West Ham fans at the Eastbrook Pub in Dagenham Road.

Who is the leader of the ICF?

Gary Oldman plays Bex Bissell, the leader of the ICC - Inter City Crew. Members of the ICF were used as consultants on the film. The 2005 film Green Street (and its sequels) are also based on the ICF, but instead the initials GSE ('Green Street Elite') were used.

What country has the craziest soccer fans?

Brazil. The world's most fabled footballing nation, Brazil have some of the most, if not the most passionate and demanding fans. Five-time World Champions, and five-time Copa America champions—just to name their biggest accomplishments—the Samba Stars are just one of the reasons the nation is a great fan base.

Who are the best football fans in England?

Football website 1sports1 have now named the club's fans as the best the league has to offer. Newcastle United take second place in the rankings. Like Leeds, Newcastle have unrivalled support in their city and the club's fans are known for their loyal following home and away.

Who are the toughest football hooligans?

The Bushwackers are the most famous of their hooligan and thug supporters, with the group usually consisting of anywhere from 200-250 at a time. They are by far the most fanatical supporters of the club.

In which country football match led to an uncontrollable riot?

The first big football match that was played in Spain about some time ago led to an uncontrollable riot. George Orwell says that with the passage of time International sports became a mimic warfare.

Are there still football hooligans?

Many 'generals' of the old hooligan firms are still attending football matches, but they are now safely seated in the family stands. 'They've retired,' one long standing England supporter and home-and-away devotee of his club told Sportsmail .

Who is Chelsea's top boy?

Mickey Crane: The Chelsea Headhunters and National Front's Top Boy.

What is Chelsea's firm name?

The Chelsea Headhunters, more commonly known simply as the Headhunters, is a football hooligan firm associated with the club Chelsea.

Is Green Street Hooligans a true story?

(It's loosely based on the actual Inter City Firm.) Against his wishes, he gets dragged into this world, and to his surprise, he likes it and learns something.

Who are the meanest NFL fans?

1) Philadelphia Eagles: The Worst Fans in Professional Sports. After the Eagles won the franchise's first Super Bowl in 2018, its fans celebrated by tearing down light poles, flipping cars, and lighting fires. That's right; Eagles fans terrorized their own hometown after winning the Super Bowl.

Why is it called Green Street hooligans?

The name of the firm in the film, the Green Street Elite, refers to Green Street in the London Borough of Newham, where West Ham's old home stadium, Upton Park was located. West Ham is supported by one of Britain's notorious hooligan firms: the Inter City Firm (ICF).

What does being a hooligan mean?

Definition of hooligan

: a usually young man who engages in rowdy or violent behavior especially as part of a group or gang : ruffian, hoodlum We had four great beefy hooligans on to us when Linton got his tooth knocked out.—