Hooliganism in Europe was at the height of its existence during the 1960s-1990s. During those decades the men who participated in hooligan acts seemed to be more focused on terrorizing cities and pubs more so than seeing their teams win. Because of the acts of violence, civil wars were declared on many of the notorious crews back then. The question is, what happened to so many of those men who lived for hooligan activity? Well, many of the men finally decided to grow up.
Two of the more infamous figures ( Annis Abraham and Gilroy Shaw) on the hooligan scene were asked to reflect on their time when they led hooligan crews. Annis Abraham was interviewed and asked if he had any regrets where he responded, "Not at all. I didn't mug anyone, I didn't sell drugs. Yes, it was a vice, my vice, but I only ever fought people who were like-minded." Annis experienced his first act of hooliganism at age 12 and it carried over to the next 25-30 years. Annis' whole perspective on things changed when he had his daughter in 2001, saying that it changed his life. He had more to live for than cheering for his football club.
He says that hooliganism had nothing to do with politics, just a grew of guys getting together to have drinks, wreaking havoc, and dressing smart. Fashion apparently had a lot to do with it. When asked why hooliganism doesn't happen now he responded "It doesn’t happen now because of the banning orders, passports being
taken away. You used to get a ten-pound fine. Now you get brought before
a judge in a civil case, you lose your job. You’ve got to be mad to be
involved now.” Gilroy Shaw says that it had a lot to do with women, he states that "The women loved it. It was all part of the scene.” In addition to the women, it had a lot to do with territory according to Shaw.
Check out a couple links below with footage of these guys.
https://youtu.be/xe2_LlA6FEA
https://youtu.be/yl3DRh3dXBQ
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