Breaking Down the Stereotypes: Who Really Becomes a Hooligan?

25 May 2025

Football hooliganism has been a hot topic for decades. The media paints a picture of drunken, aggressive, and reckless young men rampaging through city streets. But is that really the full story? Who actually becomes a hooligan, and why? Is it just about violence, or is there something deeper at play?

Let’s break those stereotypes and dive into the real world of football hooliganism—without the media exaggeration and convenient scapegoats.

The Stereotype of a Football Hooligan

When you hear the word "hooligan," what comes to mind? Probably a rowdy, beer-loving, working-class man in his twenties or thirties, draped in club colors, looking for a fight.

Movies like Green Street and The Football Factory have drilled this image into our heads. But just like any stereotype, reality is far more complicated. While some hooligans fit this mold, many don’t. The truth is, hooliganism isn't limited to a single type of person—it spans social classes, professions, and even age groups.

Are They All Just Young, Angry Men?

The popular belief is that hooligans are primarily young, angry, and often unemployed men with nothing to lose. While there's some truth to young men being more prone to aggression due to testosterone and peer pressure, age alone doesn't define a hooligan.

In fact, many seasoned hooligans are older men who have been involved for years. Some even hold respectable jobs—lawyers, businessmen, and even teachers have been involved in football-related violence. It’s not just about rebellion or youthful anger; for many, it’s a lifelong passion and identity.

The Driving Forces Behind Hooliganism

So, what makes someone become a hooligan? It’s not as simple as just “liking violence.” There are deeper psychological, social, and cultural reasons behind it.

Sense of Belonging

At its core, football hooliganism is about loyalty and belonging. Many hooligans see their firm (a gang of football supporters who engage in fights) as a family. It’s a brotherhood. When they fight, they’re not just throwing punches—they’re defending their pride, their club, their people.

For some, this strong bond fills a void in their lives. Young men who lack stability or support in their personal lives may find it in their football firm. The adrenaline, the camaraderie, and the shared experiences turn it into something more than just a pastime—it becomes an identity.

Adrenaline and Excitement

Let’s be honest—some people thrive on danger. The thrill of chaos, the rush of adrenaline, and the unpredictability of fights can be intoxicating. Just like some people get hooked on extreme sports, hooligans get hooked on the excitement of confrontation.

It’s not always about hurting someone; sometimes, it's just about the rush. Planning ambushes, outmaneuvering the police, and outsmarting rival firms become a kind of twisted game.

Rebellion Against Society

Football hooliganism often exists in direct opposition to authority—be it the police, the government, or even the clubs themselves. For some, it's about sticking it to the system.

There's a deep-rooted anti-establishment culture within certain firms. Many hooligans grew up in tough neighborhoods where authority figures failed them. Violence becomes a way to reclaim power, to show that they won’t be controlled.

Football as a War Substitute

In many ways, football hooliganism is like tribal warfare. Instead of ancient warriors clashing on a battlefield, it’s rival firms clashing in back alleys and train stations. The rivalry between different firms can be as intense as historical feuds.

This territorial nature of hooliganism means that for some, violence is just a natural extension of their support for their club. The team’s success or failure on the pitch can dictate the mood of the firm. A humiliating loss? Expect tensions to skyrocket. A big victory? Time to show dominance over rivals.

The Role of Alcohol and Drugs

Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room—substance use plays a big role in hooliganism. Drunken fans are often more impulsive, more aggressive, and less rational.

Many fights break out after hours of drinking before or after games. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, making people more likely to engage in reckless behavior. Some firms even use drugs like cocaine to heighten aggression before planned fights.

But while alcohol and drugs fuel hooliganism, they aren’t the root cause. Many fights are pre-planned, with participants fully aware of what they’re getting into. The substances just take things up a notch.

Are Hooligans Always the Villains?

It’s easy to demonize hooligans, but not all of them are mindless thugs. Many have a strict code of ethics. Believe it or not, some firms avoid attacking innocent bystanders, families, or “civilians.” Their fights are usually against other firms, not the general public.

This doesn't justify the violence, but it shows that hooliganism isn’t just random aggression—it’s often organized and has its own set of unwritten rules.

The Media’s Influence on Hooligan Culture

The media has played a huge role in shaping the hooligan image. Sensationalist headlines, exaggerated stories, and viral videos feed the hysteria.

The more the media hypes up fights and rivalries, the more some hooligans feel pressured to live up to that image. Some firms even embrace their “fame” and use it as a recruitment tool. Being part of an infamous gang can feel like being in a real-life action movie.

Ironically, cracking down on hooliganism can sometimes make it worse. The more authorities try to suppress it, the more some firms see it as a challenge—a war against the system.

Modern-Day Hooliganism: Is It Still the Same?

Football hooliganism isn’t what it used to be. In the 80s and 90s, full-scale riots were common. Now, with stricter policing, better surveillance, and severe punishments, large-scale vandalism and violence have declined.

But hooliganism hasn’t disappeared—it’s just evolved. Instead of brawling inside stadiums, most fights now happen in secret locations, arranged through encrypted messaging apps.

The culture is also shifting. Some modern hooligans see themselves more as elite fighters rather than street thugs. In some countries, there’s even a rise in hooligan firms training in martial arts and organized combat.

Can Football Ever Fully Escape Hooliganism?

No matter how many bans, fines, and crackdowns are put in place, hooliganism will never fully vanish. Why? Because it’s not just about football—it’s about human nature.

Tribalism, aggression, and the need for belonging are deeply ingrained in society. Football just happens to be the stage where these emotions play out.

That being said, clubs, authorities, and fans can help minimize it. Encouraging positive fan culture, addressing social inequalities, and improving security measures can all play a role in reducing violence.

Final Thoughts

Football hooliganism isn’t just about violence—it’s about identity, community, and sometimes even rebellion. While it's easy to dismiss hooligans as mindless troublemakers, the truth is far more complex.

They're not all jobless thugs or angry young men. Some are professionals, some are fathers, and some simply crave the thrill. While hooliganism isn’t justifiable, understanding it can help us tackle the root causes rather than just blaming the sport itself.

So next time you hear about football hooligans, remember—there’s always more to the story than just fists and beer bottles.