The most Hooligans England

Who are England’s  hooligans? Who ara the most notorius? «Hooliganism» originated in England in the late 19th century in London, thanks to a drunkard named Edward Hooligan, but this movement underwent a change throughout the 20th century. If last week we presented a report on ultras (if you’re interested, you can read it here) in Spain, this week, in our space dedicated to fans, we talk about «hooligans.»

The origin of the word Hooligan in England

In 1877, in the midst of the Victorian era, the city of London was a major industrial center where the working classes from the banks of the Thames periphery toiled in a semi-slavery regime before heading to the pubs. However, a man from the South-East rested daily to get drunk and fight with those workers; his name was Edward Hooligan. Soon the word ‘hooligan’ became fashionable in the English marginal neighborhoods, associated with a stereotype of a lazy, drunken man who enjoyed brawling.

It was in 1890 that «The Times» newspaper registered the word «hooliganism» to describe a group of young men who followed in the footsteps of our protagonist. In just five years, this violent phenomenon began to organize into street gangs, not only in London but also in cities like Manchester, Birmingham, or Liverpool, where the number of ultra groups, football fans, and pub-goers increased. All the teams in the UK have their group of «hooligans.»

England’s Hooligans: The Toughest Groups 

Milwall Bushwackers 

The «Millwall Bushwackers» are the «hooligan firm» of Millwall FC. They are considered one of the most violent and tough groups among England’s hooligans.

Originally called «F-Troop,» during the ’70s and ’80s, they later changed their current name. The stigma of violence has characterized this group for over 100 years. Thanks to their actions, the Millwall stadium has been closed several times, the first time in 1920.

The most recent incidents caused by this group are very recent; for example, in October 2004, in the FA Cup, where they insulted Liverpool fans by reminding them of the Hillsborough tragedy. They have also been denied entry to some stadiums recently, such as in Hull in January 2009. In April 2013, in the FA Cup semi-final against Wigan, 14 Millwall «hooligans» were arrested for various disturbances inside the stadium. They compete with «Inter City Firm, Soul Crew, Service Crew, and Headhunters.»They are some of the toughest and most violent England’s hooligans.

Birmingham Zulus

It’s the «hooligan firm» associated with Birmingham City. Responsible for the death of a Leeds fan in a mass brawl between the two fan bases, with 200 injured, 96 of them policemen. It’s one of the most diverse groups among English ultras, with members from many different ethnicities. They are rivals with the neighboring hooligans, «The Aston Villa Hardcore.» In many of the «Zulus» arrests, the police have confiscated knives, and even some guns.

Aston Villa Hardcore

Founded in 1993 from the split of three ultra groups: «Steamers,» «C-Crew,» and «Villa Youth.» In October 2002, they were involved in serious disturbances in Birmingham city center, popularly known as the «Battle of Rocky Lane.» Many of their members were arrested and imprisoned. They have been involved in various violent episodes across Europe, the latest in Rotterdam against Dutch team supporters.

Inter City Firm

They are the «hooligans» of West Ham United. It was one of the most famous ultra groups in the Premier League. Their name comes from the trains these ultras took when West Ham played away games. They were the inspiration for many movies like «The Firm» by Gary Oldman, where the director was advised by ICF fans. The 2005 film «The Green Street» was based on stories of this ultra group.

6.57 Crew

It’s the ultra group of Portsmouth. One of the most internationally renowned groups. At the 2006 Germany World Cup, the police confiscated most of the group members’ passports due to their past records. A Scotland Yard report indicated about 95 bans on the club; statistically, «6.57 Crew» members are among the most dangerous in the UK.

The Red Army

Founded in 1970, they are the «hooligans» of Manchester United. In 1974-1975, when United dropped to the First Division, they were considered one of the most troublesome ultra groups. Tony O’Neill, a member of «The Red Army,» has written two books explaining the group’s history. Currently, the «firm» has abandoned violent episodes, moving away from the problems they had in the 1980s.

Chelsea Headhunters

«The Chelsea Headhunters» are the «hooligan» group associated with Chelsea. Their first riots date back to the 1960s. It’s one of the groups where far-right ideology is most prevalent, aligned with paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland in the 1980s, such as the Ulster Defence Association and Ulster Volunteer Force. Racists and supporters of white race supremacy.

Like the ultras of Real Madrid (Ultrasur), a journalist, Donal MacIntyre, was infiltrated into the group for a documentary broadcasted by the BBC in 1999. The film «The Football Factory,» as we have discussed in «Colgados» (The top 10 best football movies in the history of cinema), is based on the violence exerted by this group of ultras. Like «Ultrasur,» they praise José Mourinho.

Other England’s Hooligans groups: