Hooliganism in European Football

Hooliganism in European Football
"Hooliganism" is the term used broadly to describe disorderly, aggressive and often violent behaviour perpetrated by spectators at sporting events. In the UK, hooliganism is almost exclusively confined to football.

Disorderly behaviour has been common amongst football supporters since the birth of the sport, but it is only really since the 1960s that it began to be perceived as a serious problem.

Although football hooliganism only rose to widespread public attention in the 1960s, it had been with the sport since its earliest development. In the late 19th Century, concerns were frequently voiced about groups of "roughs" causing trouble at matches by attacking not only opposing supporters, but also players and referees. Many sociologists point to football's origins in working class Britain as a factor distinguishing it from the majority of sports popular today, and contributing to its links with aggressive and disorderly behaviour.

Some people claim that hooliganism "causes no harm" or is just fans letting off steam. Hooliganism has declined and has been steadily becoming something that players and organizations have been concerned about. The major incident that brings alarm is in April 2000 C. Loftus and K. Speight were stabbed to death before a UEFA Cup semi final game. 

Hooliganism has resulted in many incidents and is a phenominon that has to be kept in check. You will notice that a lot of stadium are now keeping a closer eye on spectators as the enter the stadium.