This scene shows the meeting of both the key characters in the movie, Matt and Pete. Here the difference between them is apparent to the viewer as you can see that Pete has the upper hand whereas Matt is still naive to his world. At this point Pete wants nothing to do with Matt except from getting the money off him that his brother gave him. However, when Pete realizes how little Matt knows about his world he decides to let him join him for match day as he thinks that he is missing out on so much. The langauage used in this scene helps to outline this difference and the other way in which this difference is shown is through the way that both of them are...the way they walk and the way they talk.
Sunday, 30 September 2007
This scene is taken from the end of the movie when the long awaited battle against 'The GSE' and 'Millwall' takes place. This scene is important to the film since this is what the audience is left waiting for throughout. The music is contrapuntal in this scene and it works because it helps to create a sense of sorrow in the audiences heart as opposed to happiness that the violence is taking place. By this time the audience no longer wants there to be a fight against both sides because they have come to identify with both Matt and Pete and they know that something bad is going to happen...
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Media Audiences
The text is aiming to appeal to an audience consisting of adult men. The reason for them being adult is the fact that there is a lot of violence incorporated in the movie causing it to be an 18 rated film. The film is also based on a very manly subject, this is why it is also aiming at men as they prefer violent and action movies over romance or comedies. The secondary target audience could be adult women also who may be interested in the topic of football hooliganism or who may even like the actors within the movie.The audience of the movie could be assumed to be football mad guys who support a specific team themselves. Or they could also be seen as people who are open-minded to such movies and to violence. The audience is assumed to be attracted mainly to the film's storyline rather than who made it or who is starring in it. However, seeing a movie that has Elijah Wood within it alongside British actors for the first time could prove interesting also.
As this is a Hollywood movie, the audience could be considered to be large as it would have been distributed in well known cinema's whereas if it was a independent film it may not have done as well. I had no assumptions of the movie before I saw it because I had never seen anything like it before. It was enjoyable because it takes the audience on a journey along with Matt Buckner who is also new to the life of football hooliganism. It helped me to see different perspectives of these peoples lives and see what causes them to enter the world of 'football hooliganism'. It incorporated everything that I would expect from action/drama movie...
The text is aiming to appeal to an audience consisting of adult men. The reason for them being adult is the fact that there is a lot of violence incorporated in the movie causing it to be an 18 rated film. The film is also based on a very manly subject, this is why it is also aiming at men as they prefer violent and action movies over romance or comedies. The secondary target audience could be adult women also who may be interested in the topic of football hooliganism or who may even like the actors within the movie.The audience of the movie could be assumed to be football mad guys who support a specific team themselves. Or they could also be seen as people who are open-minded to such movies and to violence. The audience is assumed to be attracted mainly to the film's storyline rather than who made it or who is starring in it. However, seeing a movie that has Elijah Wood within it alongside British actors for the first time could prove interesting also.
As this is a Hollywood movie, the audience could be considered to be large as it would have been distributed in well known cinema's whereas if it was a independent film it may not have done as well. I had no assumptions of the movie before I saw it because I had never seen anything like it before. It was enjoyable because it takes the audience on a journey along with Matt Buckner who is also new to the life of football hooliganism. It helped me to see different perspectives of these peoples lives and see what causes them to enter the world of 'football hooliganism'. It incorporated everything that I would expect from action/drama movie...
Media Values and Ideology
The movie's major values come from each firms obsession with their football team. It is important for them to be able to keep these values respected when it comes to other firms. We as the audience begin to assume that there is nothing within the text that over powers the violence and crime, but the other side of hooliganism is portrayed also. The side that explores the dilemmas of these people and therefore we are helped to see more sides of their lives rather than just assume...
Media Institutions
The movie's institutional source is Universal, Oddlot. Films by Universal usually contain a significant amout of action in them as well as drama. It institutionalizes contemporary movies that relate to the MTV generation. Universal Studios (sometimes called Universal Pictures or Universal City Studios), a subsidiary of NBC Universal, is one of the major American Film Studios. Its production studios are located at 100 Universal City Plaza Drive in Universal City, California, an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County between Los Angeles and Burbank. Universal is the second longest-lived studio in Hollywood (Viacom's Paramount Pictures is the oldest by only a month).
Genre
The genre of 'Green Street' is drama/action. The drama comes from the things that happen indoors around the family whereas the action comes from the violence and fighting during the football matches. The way that death is incorporated into the movie also adds to its drama .
The major iconographic features of the text are the things that relate directly to football. For example the West Ham sign and the Millwall sign that represent both sides. Hatred, death and deceit are some of the themes explored in the movie. Various characters bring each of these to the film, for example Matt Buckner brings the deceit to the movie, his hidden journalism past comes into the picture.
The audience expect death and violence from the movie but in the end are left with more than that. There is friendship and brotherhood that is developed throughout the film and also the transition of Matt.
The director Lexi Alexander, is a new up and coming director who is not well-known in the industry. The protagonist, Pete is played by Charlie Hunnam who is known in Hollywood but not as much as Elijah Wood who plays Matt. Elijah Wood has said in an interview that Green Street is not typically a film that he would go for, he wanted to challenge himself.
The genre of 'Green Street' is drama/action. The drama comes from the things that happen indoors around the family whereas the action comes from the violence and fighting during the football matches. The way that death is incorporated into the movie also adds to its drama .
The major iconographic features of the text are the things that relate directly to football. For example the West Ham sign and the Millwall sign that represent both sides. Hatred, death and deceit are some of the themes explored in the movie. Various characters bring each of these to the film, for example Matt Buckner brings the deceit to the movie, his hidden journalism past comes into the picture.
The audience expect death and violence from the movie but in the end are left with more than that. There is friendship and brotherhood that is developed throughout the film and also the transition of Matt.
The director Lexi Alexander, is a new up and coming director who is not well-known in the industry. The protagonist, Pete is played by Charlie Hunnam who is known in Hollywood but not as much as Elijah Wood who plays Matt. Elijah Wood has said in an interview that Green Street is not typically a film that he would go for, he wanted to challenge himself.
Narrative
The film follows Matt through his own personal journey from being a reserved, shy and sensible American guy into a rough, loud and confident member of 'The GSE'.The audience is able to relate to the protagonist, Matt because he is a 'fish out of water' in Pete's world.In 'Green Street', all the characters that like Matt are the seen as the good people and all those who dislike him are seen as the villains, for example Pete takes a shine to him so therefore he becomes the hero of the movie. Bovver on the other hand always suspects Matt and treats him like an outsider, this therefore makes him the villain of the film as he is seen as a threat for Matt. The identification in the film comes from Matt's ability to see himself within Pete. He can relate to the fact that they both have enemies and that just like Pete has his older brother to consider in what he does, Matt has his sister. The alienation comes from Matt's entrance into a new world where everyone and everything is different from what he has in America. The only thing that he can familiarize himself with in the movie is his sister.The main themes of the narrative is the whole topic of football hooliganism. Every firm values it's football team and is ready to die for the sake of protecting its reputation...
Media Languages and Form
The film's denotative meaning is based upon the way that the 'hooligan' lifestyle effects each person. The way that death and hatred become linked to football show the audience how the key characters in the film cannot help but end up in bad situations where they lose each other or the people that they love.
The importance of the connotative meaning in the film is based on each character's own life. For example, while Matt is in University he is framed by his roommate for taking drugs and at the time doesn't stand up for himself. When he meets Pete he realizes how afraid he has been all his life to take a stand for the things he believes in and by the end has been on a self-searching journey.
What are the non-verbal structures of meaning in the text (e.g. gesture, facial expression, positional communication, clothing, props etc)?
Throughout the film the relationship between Matt and Pete changes. In the beginning, Pete is rough with Matt and is not interested in getting to know Matt. Then, he begins to get closer to Matt and becomes softer with him, he helps him instead of being rough with him while his good friend 'Bovver' cannot bring himself to accept him into the firm because he is suspicious of him. Matt himself by the end of the movie turns into a real man finally and goes along with 'The GSE' to fight their enemy, 'Millwall'. His actions while fighting become more tough and wild whereas before he would think before making a move.
Also, in 'The GSE' the members express friendliness through patting each other on the shoulder and giving each other a brotherly hug and they portray their dislike through pushing someone up against the wall and threatening them to keep certain people out of their territory.
The setting of the movie is in UK, East London. This is a typical place for the movie to be set since this is where these crimes usually take place. The pubs and streets add to the authenticity of the movie's representation of football obsessed England.
The language used is 'cockney slang' as this is the way people talk in the area of East London. Matt's character however speaks in an American language which makes him look more literate and intelligent compared to the other characters. The music is typical British rock which are not by well-known musicians.One of the songs in the movie, 'One blood' is by the actor Terrence Jay, who plays the character of 'Jeremy Van Holden'. The recurring image of the 'West Ham United' sign is a symbol to express the importance of 'The GSE's' beliefs. This keeps the films ideology apparent to the viewer.
When fighting scenes occur the camera begins to shake to represent the adrenaline rush that the guys are experiencing. However when there is something serious occurring there are no quick cuts or any zooms as this makes it more interesting to view the film in two extremes.
The film's denotative meaning is based upon the way that the 'hooligan' lifestyle effects each person. The way that death and hatred become linked to football show the audience how the key characters in the film cannot help but end up in bad situations where they lose each other or the people that they love.
The importance of the connotative meaning in the film is based on each character's own life. For example, while Matt is in University he is framed by his roommate for taking drugs and at the time doesn't stand up for himself. When he meets Pete he realizes how afraid he has been all his life to take a stand for the things he believes in and by the end has been on a self-searching journey.
What are the non-verbal structures of meaning in the text (e.g. gesture, facial expression, positional communication, clothing, props etc)?
Throughout the film the relationship between Matt and Pete changes. In the beginning, Pete is rough with Matt and is not interested in getting to know Matt. Then, he begins to get closer to Matt and becomes softer with him, he helps him instead of being rough with him while his good friend 'Bovver' cannot bring himself to accept him into the firm because he is suspicious of him. Matt himself by the end of the movie turns into a real man finally and goes along with 'The GSE' to fight their enemy, 'Millwall'. His actions while fighting become more tough and wild whereas before he would think before making a move.
Also, in 'The GSE' the members express friendliness through patting each other on the shoulder and giving each other a brotherly hug and they portray their dislike through pushing someone up against the wall and threatening them to keep certain people out of their territory.
The setting of the movie is in UK, East London. This is a typical place for the movie to be set since this is where these crimes usually take place. The pubs and streets add to the authenticity of the movie's representation of football obsessed England.
The language used is 'cockney slang' as this is the way people talk in the area of East London. Matt's character however speaks in an American language which makes him look more literate and intelligent compared to the other characters. The music is typical British rock which are not by well-known musicians.One of the songs in the movie, 'One blood' is by the actor Terrence Jay, who plays the character of 'Jeremy Van Holden'. The recurring image of the 'West Ham United' sign is a symbol to express the importance of 'The GSE's' beliefs. This keeps the films ideology apparent to the viewer.
When fighting scenes occur the camera begins to shake to represent the adrenaline rush that the guys are experiencing. However when there is something serious occurring there are no quick cuts or any zooms as this makes it more interesting to view the film in two extremes.
Media Representations
The movie 'Green Street', represents the world of 'football hooliganism'...it shows the lives of men that devote themselves to football and support a particular team. However, it also shows the other side of their lives where they earn a living and have their own problems within their families. The film's protagonist is represented by, Charlie Hunnam, who plays the character of 'Pete Dunham'. He is the head of the GSE (Green Street Elite) that support West Ham United. Pete's character is represented accurately, since he is shown as a wild football leader as well as a normal guy trying to support himself during the week as a history teacher. He messes up along the way because of his lifestyle and his brother sometimes has to help him out.
The character of Matt Buckner, played by 'Elijah Wood' is the opposite of Pete. His character is supposed to be naive and innocent as he enters into Pete's world. This representation is also accurate because Matt is influenced by the GSE and ends up joining his firm. The reason that I think this is accurate is because situations like this occur in real life, where innocent guys are lured into 'gangs'. In 'Green Street', Matt aspires to be like Pete and begins to idolize him as the film goes on...
The movie 'Green Street', represents the world of 'football hooliganism'...it shows the lives of men that devote themselves to football and support a particular team. However, it also shows the other side of their lives where they earn a living and have their own problems within their families. The film's protagonist is represented by, Charlie Hunnam, who plays the character of 'Pete Dunham'. He is the head of the GSE (Green Street Elite) that support West Ham United. Pete's character is represented accurately, since he is shown as a wild football leader as well as a normal guy trying to support himself during the week as a history teacher. He messes up along the way because of his lifestyle and his brother sometimes has to help him out.
The character of Matt Buckner, played by 'Elijah Wood' is the opposite of Pete. His character is supposed to be naive and innocent as he enters into Pete's world. This representation is also accurate because Matt is influenced by the GSE and ends up joining his firm. The reason that I think this is accurate is because situations like this occur in real life, where innocent guys are lured into 'gangs'. In 'Green Street', Matt aspires to be like Pete and begins to idolize him as the film goes on...
Sunday, 23 September 2007
Grierson...
(Creative treatment of actuality)
It is important for me to look into the level of creative treatment that has actually been contained in the movie. By comparing what I view in the film and what I have gathered in my research I will be able to see the extent to which the movie has been changed and been distanced from reality in order to help me see exactly how real the representation of the people who perform these crimes is...
(Creative treatment of actuality)
It is important for me to look into the level of creative treatment that has actually been contained in the movie. By comparing what I view in the film and what I have gathered in my research I will be able to see the extent to which the movie has been changed and been distanced from reality in order to help me see exactly how real the representation of the people who perform these crimes is...
World Cup 2002 - Football Hooligansim - Russia VS Japan
Authorities in Moscow are to stop televising World Cup games on giant outdoor screens after thousands of football fans went on the rampage in the city, leaving two dead and many others injured.
The violence happened in the centre of Moscow on Sunday after Russia went down 1-0 to Japan, severely denting the country's chances of progressing to the second round of the tournament.
Football violence is a growing problem in RussiaThousands of fans had been watching the game on an outdoor screen in Manezh Square.
After the final whistle blew, many threw bottles and attacked cars while chanting the popular football slogan Forward Russia, as the violence spilled into other parts of the city centre.
Politicians blamed the events on poor planning by the local authorities.
"Everywhere in the world where fans go on rampages, the police thoroughly prepare for it," said liberal deputy Sergei Mitrokhin.
"But here the organizers of this event were just irresponsible."
Rampage
A 20-year-old man was found stabbed to death in the square, and a policeman who was seriously injured by rioters died in hospital early on Monday.
Three of the injured are in a serious condition; in all, about 50 people were hospitalised, including 20 police officers.
A number of vehicles were set alight near the lower house of parliament, where windows were broken.
The defeat is a major embarrassment for Russia
Crowds rampaged down the street towards to the headquarters of the Russian security services, smashing shop windows and setting fire to cars.
There had been only a small police presence, and reinforcements did not arrive until almost an hour later, when most of the rioters had left the area.
Firefighters arrived first, and the rioters attacked their trucks.
Photographers and cameramen were also reported to have been beaten.
Five music students from Japan who were attending the 12th Tchaikovsky competition were attacked, and one was slightly injured.
Crackdown
The BBC's Jonathan Charles, in Moscow, says such violence is highly unusual for the city.
Several cars were set alight
Special forces police were brought into the centre of Moscow to bring the situation under control.
Interfax quoted Moscow police as saying 60 people has been arrested.
The authorities have vowed to track down those responsible for the trouble.
Our correspondent says Russia's football hooligans are a growing problem.
With their distinctive shaved heads, they model themselves on their British counterparts, even down to the wearing of Union Jack T-shirts.
Authorities in Moscow are to stop televising World Cup games on giant outdoor screens after thousands of football fans went on the rampage in the city, leaving two dead and many others injured.
The violence happened in the centre of Moscow on Sunday after Russia went down 1-0 to Japan, severely denting the country's chances of progressing to the second round of the tournament.
Football violence is a growing problem in RussiaThousands of fans had been watching the game on an outdoor screen in Manezh Square.
After the final whistle blew, many threw bottles and attacked cars while chanting the popular football slogan Forward Russia, as the violence spilled into other parts of the city centre.
Politicians blamed the events on poor planning by the local authorities.
"Everywhere in the world where fans go on rampages, the police thoroughly prepare for it," said liberal deputy Sergei Mitrokhin.
"But here the organizers of this event were just irresponsible."
Rampage
A 20-year-old man was found stabbed to death in the square, and a policeman who was seriously injured by rioters died in hospital early on Monday.
Three of the injured are in a serious condition; in all, about 50 people were hospitalised, including 20 police officers.
A number of vehicles were set alight near the lower house of parliament, where windows were broken.
The defeat is a major embarrassment for Russia
Crowds rampaged down the street towards to the headquarters of the Russian security services, smashing shop windows and setting fire to cars.
There had been only a small police presence, and reinforcements did not arrive until almost an hour later, when most of the rioters had left the area.
Firefighters arrived first, and the rioters attacked their trucks.
Photographers and cameramen were also reported to have been beaten.
Five music students from Japan who were attending the 12th Tchaikovsky competition were attacked, and one was slightly injured.
Crackdown
The BBC's Jonathan Charles, in Moscow, says such violence is highly unusual for the city.
Several cars were set alight
Special forces police were brought into the centre of Moscow to bring the situation under control.
Interfax quoted Moscow police as saying 60 people has been arrested.
The authorities have vowed to track down those responsible for the trouble.
Our correspondent says Russia's football hooligans are a growing problem.
With their distinctive shaved heads, they model themselves on their British counterparts, even down to the wearing of Union Jack T-shirts.
World 2006 Hooliganism - Germany VS England
English and German World Cup fans violently fought in the streets of Cologne, Germany surrounding their teams' games. Over a dozen German police were hurt. Several fans, including 15 English fans, were detained. The English have a long history of soccer-related violence. The country actually banned almost 3,800 known troublemakers from leaving England for the games.
English and German World Cup fans violently fought in the streets of Cologne, Germany surrounding their teams' games. Over a dozen German police were hurt. Several fans, including 15 English fans, were detained. The English have a long history of soccer-related violence. The country actually banned almost 3,800 known troublemakers from leaving England for the games.
FOOTBALL HOOLIGANISM - Steve Frosdick and Peter Marsh
Football has been associated with violence ever since it's early beginnings in thirteenth century england.
Throughout the seventeenth century we find report of several hundred football players destroying drainage ditches and causing mayhem in the town. By the eighteenth century the game took a more overt political significance. A match in Kettering, for example , consisting of 500 hundred men per side was a scarcely disguised food riot in which the object was to loot a local grain store.
Walvin (1994) reported that 'In 1829, a French man who saw a football match in Derby asked "If this is what they call football, then what do they call fighting?".
Football has been associated with violence ever since it's early beginnings in thirteenth century england.
Throughout the seventeenth century we find report of several hundred football players destroying drainage ditches and causing mayhem in the town. By the eighteenth century the game took a more overt political significance. A match in Kettering, for example , consisting of 500 hundred men per side was a scarcely disguised food riot in which the object was to loot a local grain store.
Walvin (1994) reported that 'In 1829, a French man who saw a football match in Derby asked "If this is what they call football, then what do they call fighting?".
Foreign fields - a documentary by the BBC
This programme examines the growing social impact of hooligan groups in Italy and Argentina - as they become increasingly politicised and organised.
The programme gains unprecedented access to the shadowy and often violent world of the hooligan groups attached to two of the world's most glamorous clubs - the Irriducibilli of Lazio in Italy and the Barras Bravas of Boca Juniors in Argentina.
Filming openly and undercover with the hooligan leaders, Foreign Fields examines the growing social impact of hooligan groups around the world - as they become increasingly politicised and organised.
In Argentina, five people have already died this season in football-related shootings, with dozens more casualties. The season was even suspended against a backdrop of widespread social disorder.
Using extraordinary footage filmed with the hooligans, the police and during riots around the stadiums this season - the film shows the growing influence of these groups on the clubs and the players themselves.
Players like Diego Maradona, who talks for the first time about his friendship with the hooligans of Boca - his first and favourite club.
We also talk to players and hooligans in Italy about the growing influence of racist and far-right groups on the terraces that the hooligans control.
The Lazio hooligans: the Irriducibilli - now have their own merchandise, and businesses - organising all the stadium banners and meetings with the players - many of them international stars - and the club.
This programme examines the growing social impact of hooligan groups in Italy and Argentina - as they become increasingly politicised and organised.
The programme gains unprecedented access to the shadowy and often violent world of the hooligan groups attached to two of the world's most glamorous clubs - the Irriducibilli of Lazio in Italy and the Barras Bravas of Boca Juniors in Argentina.
Filming openly and undercover with the hooligan leaders, Foreign Fields examines the growing social impact of hooligan groups around the world - as they become increasingly politicised and organised.
In Argentina, five people have already died this season in football-related shootings, with dozens more casualties. The season was even suspended against a backdrop of widespread social disorder.
Using extraordinary footage filmed with the hooligans, the police and during riots around the stadiums this season - the film shows the growing influence of these groups on the clubs and the players themselves.
Players like Diego Maradona, who talks for the first time about his friendship with the hooligans of Boca - his first and favourite club.
We also talk to players and hooligans in Italy about the growing influence of racist and far-right groups on the terraces that the hooligans control.
The Lazio hooligans: the Irriducibilli - now have their own merchandise, and businesses - organising all the stadium banners and meetings with the players - many of them international stars - and the club.
Monday, 17 September 2007
Friday, 7 September 2007
Football hooliganism
http://policestudies.homestead.com/hooliganism.html
Hooliganism already existed in the last century. Modern hooliganism exists since the sixties in several countries. Boys and young men, aged between 15 and 25, collectively engage in fights, demolitions and provocations. Their main targets are other groups, who only differ from them in their being composed of fans of another football team.
In commentaries following incidents it is commonly stated that these "fans" do not deserve to be called supporters of their team. Other reports indicate that the hooligans consider themselves to be the true fans: they support the team for better and for worse, they create the highly praised "atmosphere" inside stadia. However that may be, their allegiance to a football team is the main factor binding hooligans together. Their main interest does not seem so much to see brilliant football, but to see their team win. In addition, hooligans have their own match with rival fans. Sometimes that match is the most important one. Football matches are used as an opportunity.
The behaviour of the hooligans seems to be aimed at gaining prestige. The ability to fight, group solidarity and loyalty, plus the aggressive defence of culturally defined areas, are all elements of a satisfying masculine identity. Fighting at football is largely about young males testing out their own reputations for manliness against those of other similarly motivated young men.
Tackling hooliganism
Integrated approach:
Over the years, it has become increasingly clear that the police cannot and should not deal with hooliganism on its own and that an integrated approach is called for, involving all parties.
In practice, measures tend to focus on the way in which hooliganism manifests itself, in part because the rivalry between supporters is a factor that is hard to influence. Changes in the infrastructure of stadia (fences, cameras, all-seater stadia) make surveillance and separation of fans easier, as do ticketing arrangements. However, a one-sided focus on security measures may be detrimental to an atmosphere of friendliness.
Well-trained stewards may contribute significantly to hospitality and an early signalling of potential trouble inside stadia. The behaviour of players, coaches and club-officials also influences fan behaviour. Fan societies also play a role.
Security forces deal with public order and the arrest of offenders. Public prosecutors and judges deal with apprehended offenders. Train and bus companies are involved in the transport of fans. Local authorities have their own priorities.
To prevent excesses in hooliganism, all these parties have to develop policies and co-operate with one another. If the different policies are not made explicit, if they are not integrated with one another and if arrangements are not binding, they will not work as expected.
Conclusion
Football hooliganism is detrimental to the sport. Partly as a result of safety measures taken in the past, the manifestations of hooliganism have changed. To avoid excesses in hooliganism in future, repressive measures will have to be complemented by a social-preventive approach.
From what we know, several elements are critical to avoid excesses in hooliganism:
- sound (international) co-operation and co-ordination;
- active involvement of clubs and national and international football authorities;
- an integrated approach with binding arrangements for all parties involved;
- investing in information about fans and hooligans;
- where possible, excluding hooligans from attending matches (and influencing other fans);
- communicating with fans/ hooligans by police, clubs/ stewards and fan coaches;
- a long-term commitment, not just focusing on incidents and short-term measures.
http://policestudies.homestead.com/hooliganism.html
Hooliganism already existed in the last century. Modern hooliganism exists since the sixties in several countries. Boys and young men, aged between 15 and 25, collectively engage in fights, demolitions and provocations. Their main targets are other groups, who only differ from them in their being composed of fans of another football team.
In commentaries following incidents it is commonly stated that these "fans" do not deserve to be called supporters of their team. Other reports indicate that the hooligans consider themselves to be the true fans: they support the team for better and for worse, they create the highly praised "atmosphere" inside stadia. However that may be, their allegiance to a football team is the main factor binding hooligans together. Their main interest does not seem so much to see brilliant football, but to see their team win. In addition, hooligans have their own match with rival fans. Sometimes that match is the most important one. Football matches are used as an opportunity.
The behaviour of the hooligans seems to be aimed at gaining prestige. The ability to fight, group solidarity and loyalty, plus the aggressive defence of culturally defined areas, are all elements of a satisfying masculine identity. Fighting at football is largely about young males testing out their own reputations for manliness against those of other similarly motivated young men.
Tackling hooliganism
Integrated approach:
Over the years, it has become increasingly clear that the police cannot and should not deal with hooliganism on its own and that an integrated approach is called for, involving all parties.
In practice, measures tend to focus on the way in which hooliganism manifests itself, in part because the rivalry between supporters is a factor that is hard to influence. Changes in the infrastructure of stadia (fences, cameras, all-seater stadia) make surveillance and separation of fans easier, as do ticketing arrangements. However, a one-sided focus on security measures may be detrimental to an atmosphere of friendliness.
Well-trained stewards may contribute significantly to hospitality and an early signalling of potential trouble inside stadia. The behaviour of players, coaches and club-officials also influences fan behaviour. Fan societies also play a role.
Security forces deal with public order and the arrest of offenders. Public prosecutors and judges deal with apprehended offenders. Train and bus companies are involved in the transport of fans. Local authorities have their own priorities.
To prevent excesses in hooliganism, all these parties have to develop policies and co-operate with one another. If the different policies are not made explicit, if they are not integrated with one another and if arrangements are not binding, they will not work as expected.
Conclusion
Football hooliganism is detrimental to the sport. Partly as a result of safety measures taken in the past, the manifestations of hooliganism have changed. To avoid excesses in hooliganism in future, repressive measures will have to be complemented by a social-preventive approach.
From what we know, several elements are critical to avoid excesses in hooliganism:
- sound (international) co-operation and co-ordination;
- active involvement of clubs and national and international football authorities;
- an integrated approach with binding arrangements for all parties involved;
- investing in information about fans and hooligans;
- where possible, excluding hooligans from attending matches (and influencing other fans);
- communicating with fans/ hooligans by police, clubs/ stewards and fan coaches;
- a long-term commitment, not just focusing on incidents and short-term measures.
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