Understanding the Mindset Of the Soccer Hooligan

Social norms are constantly changing. In Australia we are seeing an onslaught of racial tension between ethnic groups. Football has always been a great predictor of the ever changing social norms inherent in society. I remember my old man discussing the old days in the old State Soccer League, where rival ethnic groups would come to heads because of racial tensions. Recently a fantastic study by Griggs, G. (2005) titled “Soccer Hooliganism in England Between the Wars” shows that social segregation and the pressure of peer groups have seen a rise in hooliganism during the post World War period. In between both World Wars, reports of hooliganism were few and far between. Any tension reported was a result of segregation of working class and social elite at football games as the sport became more popular. The reason we have tension at football games today can be a direct result of peer group influence especially with young football fans.

Very interesting study, I must admit. The newly formed FFA in Australia have created a good job of closing ties to ethnic based teams. Ethnic tension was a result of hooliganism or ethnic pride and a mixture of political motivations in Australia. During the between war periods in England, it was a matter of social segregation. Upper vs. Lower class. The study by Griggs, shows the differing mind sets between soccer hooligans in different regions. It poses the question of what it takes to curb violence in football overall, and what it takes to instil unity. The study showed that being a part of a club (supporter or player) is a great way to facilitate a common bond regardless of race or social standing. That is the beauty of soccer…or football (whatever your flavour is). But are we stripping away multi-cultural values in sports by taking away an ethnic flavour? And is social segregation on the horizon for the newly formed league in Australia? Good points to discuss.