SSC Film Studies

Why is Britain still obsessed with Football Hooliganism in 2014?

Football hooliganism refers to overzealous, violent and destructive behaviour by football fans, through the methods of brawling, vandalism and fights. The phrase 'Football Hooligan' originated from the English media in the 1960s when fights and violent acts at football matches began to increase. By the late 1980, England had a world wide reputation for it. It was known all over the world as the 'English Disease'. Sean Ingle from The Guardian said that 'hooliganism was as much a part of English football as Bovril and bovver boots'. A real eye opening comment for what it was like in the 80s,in the footballing world, it used to be part of the match experience to, either before the game or after, go and meet with the opposite team, and fight to see who was tougher. Has this 'English Disease' become nothing more than a cold sore on England, or is it more of an obsession imprinted on society?

Green Street 2, a film made in 2009, is a film purely about Football Hooligans. It is a sequel to the first film created a few years before. But this one is interesting, because it was made 5 years ago. And it represents hooliganism, still, as a rife part of society. It is following 3 members of the GSE (Green Street Elite) as they are in prison for crimes to do with Football Hooliganism, as they continue their 'war' with everyone except West Ham fans.