Films revive spectre of Football Violence

Just when football needed it least, films revive the spectre of hooligan gangs

The impending release of two films dramatising football hooliganism has raised some concerns among the authorities and supporters' groups that violence is being glamorised on the eve of a crucial period for the game.

The Football Factory, a raw examination of the relationships between a gang of Chelsea followers and their violent confrontation with rivals from Millwall. Yesterday, meanwhile, filming ended on The Yank, an American film in which, somewhat implausibly, Elijah Wood plays a student expelled from Harvard who takes up with West Ham's notorious Inter City Firm.


Nath

Define 'Hooliganism'

"Hooliganism refers to unruly and destructive behavior".

"Such behavior is commonly associated with sports fans, particularly supporters of professional football and university sports. In some countries, the hooligan elements of a group of supporters are known as Category C. The term can also apply to general rowdy behaviour and vandalism, often under the influence of alcohol or drugs."

Nath