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Soccer hooliganism is a catch all name for violent or destructive behaviour in or around grounds, and associated with fans.

It started in the UK in the late sixties, reached a peak in the Eighties and has been falling away since. Typically, groups of home fans would lead mass attacks on the away end, fighting with their fans, or with police, or both.

Each team would have a set of violent fans, who would often have a gang name, complete with calling cards. When they beat someone up, they would leave a card with them so they knew who had done it.

The far right have often been responsible for football violence. Leeds United and Millwall were famous for their Nazi fans.

The problem has been greatly reduced by intensive policing, video surveillance and all-seater stadiums. Hooligans associated with the England team have their passports confiscated when a big game or tournament is coming up abroad, and photos of them are given to the local police.

Today, violence at games is less common. Typically, trouble occurs away from the grounds, often in the town or city centre that night. As the organised hooligans have been identified, there is more danger from "disorganised hooliganism", fans who go out with no intention to fight but get carried away after a few drinks.

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