A provocative new podcast series, The English Disease, explores the dark and often misunderstood world of football hooliganism in British culture. Written and hosted by acclaimed football writer Sam Diss, this gripping documentary delves deep into the long-lasting legacy of football-related violence, its ties to far-right movements, and the surprising ways it has continued to shape aspects of British society.
Football Hooliganism: A Historical Overview
Football hooliganism is often thought of as a relic of Britain’s past, a reminder of the chaotic and violent days associated with the sport in the 1980s. However, Diss’ podcast argues that while the most overt signs of hooliganism may have subsided, its cultural influence remains. The podcast traces the evolution of the football hooligan movement over the past sixty years and its ongoing presence in modern British life.
Football Hooligans: From Marxist Fighters to Folk Devils
In the 1960s, some academics viewed football hooligans through a lens of social rebellion, even likening them to Marxist freedom fighters who resisted societal norms. By the 1980s, however, these same individuals had been recast as Britain’s ‘folk devils,’ thanks in large part to the media’s portrayal of them as some of the most deviant members of society. Fast forward to 2024, and it’s evident that, contrary to popular belief, football hooliganism never truly disappeared—it simply morphed and adapted to a changing social landscape.
Why Football Hooliganism Persists
Why do football fans continue to engage in violent behavior? And what drives some to become deeply entrenched in these violent subcultures? Sam Diss aims to answer these questions by digging deeper than the tabloid headlines that sensationalize these events. He examines how this movement is fueled by a complex mixture of excitement, boredom, class struggle, racism, masculinity, and identity.
In his podcast, Diss interviews former hooligans, many of whom speak openly about their experiences, with some reflecting on these moments as the ‘best days of their lives.’ However, others voice deep regret over the violence they participated in. One such voice is a 21-year-old man who now writes from prison after being convicted of manslaughter related to a football attack.
A Continued Legacy: Football Hooliganism in Modern Britain
While the violent days of the 1980s may seem far behind, the influence of hooliganism lingers. It continues to be felt not only in the realm of football but also in British music, fashion, politics, policing, and policymaking. Even in the world of social media, football hooliganism has found new life.
During Euro 2024, videos of football-related violence flooded social media timelines in the UK, proving that this subculture still holds a dangerous allure for certain groups of fans. Diss explores these connections and how they manifest today, particularly the ties between far-right movements and football hooliganism.
Hooliganism and the Far-Right
In recent years, the far-right movement in Britain has seen a resurgence, with football hooligan groups playing an instrumental role. Diss examines how the far-right has successfully aligned itself with ‘lads’ culture, exploiting the tribalistic tendencies that many football fans already possess. One particularly concerning element is how extremist ideas have flourished in online spaces, particularly within football fan communities. The podcast delves into Facebook groups such as Football Lads United and WhatsApp groups where such ideologies thrive.
The Voices Behind the Violence
A unique aspect of The English Disease is its extensive range of interviews with those who have lived through the hooligan era, both participants and outsiders alike. Sam Diss speaks with several former hooligans who reflect on their pasts, providing insight into the mindset of those who once thrived in these violent subcultures.
However, the podcast doesn’t stop there. It also brings in perspectives from academics, journalists, and experts who have spent years studying football-related violence. These include Geoff Pearson, a professor of law and author of Football Hooliganism, who offers a detailed look at the legal strategies and policing tactics employed to curb hooligan behavior since the 1990s. Diss also speaks with Bill Buford, the legendary journalist and author of Among the Thugs, a seminal account of 1980s football violence.
The Female Perspective: Football Violence and Misogyny
One of the often overlooked aspects of football violence is the impact on female fans. In one particularly harrowing interview, Diss speaks with a woman who was sexually harassed during the Euro 2020 final. Her story underscores a darker side of hooliganism that is less discussed but still prevalent: the toxic masculinity that often accompanies these violent outbursts and the exclusion many women feel from football culture.
Beyond the Violence: What Football Hooliganism Says About British Society
At its core, The English Disease is about more than just football. It’s a reflection of societal issues that have long bubbled beneath the surface. As Sam Diss puts it, “Hooliganism is easy to dismiss—too ugly, mindless, and primal to face. But this avoidance felt like society dodging something deeper, focusing only on effects, not causes.”
For Diss, football violence reveals deeper truths about English society—truths about class, race, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. He explores how hooliganism is not just a thing of the past but a mirror that reflects unresolved tensions still present in modern Britain.
A Story of Stories
The podcast also taps into the narrative power of football violence. Diss explains, “The English Disease explores how the past lingers, driven by excitement, boredom, class, racism, friendship, masculinity, and identity, performed until the mask eats the face. Ultimately, it’s a story about stories—those we tell ourselves, others, and those told about us.”
The Launch of The English Disease
From Stak, a popular podcast production company, The English Disease will launch its first two episodes on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Available on all major podcast platforms, the series promises to be an unflinching look at a part of British culture that many would rather forget but continues to impact today’s society.
Key Takeaways from The English Disease:
- Explores football hooliganism’s complex history: Traces its evolution over 60 years in British culture.
- Examines modern ties to the far-right: Looks at how hooliganism and far-right movements have intertwined in recent years.
- Features interviews with former hooligans: Personal stories of regret, pride, and reflection.
- Highlights the impact on women in football: Examines misogyny and harassment within football culture.
- Deep dives into social issues: A broader exploration of class, race, and identity in Britain.
This groundbreaking podcast aims to challenge long-held perceptions and uncover the hidden truths behind one of England’s most controversial cultural phenomena.
