FOOTBALL HOOLIGANISM

Football Hooliganism In Engalnd &Wales (Social Causation) And Scotland (Extreme Sectarian Issues)

Table of Contents

The Research Problem2

Theoretical perspectives and concepts7

Research methodology13

Anticipated problems14

References16

Football Hooliganism In Engalnd &Wales (Social Causation) And Scotland (Extreme Sectarian Issues)

The Research Problem

The main purpose of this proposed research is to compare the football hooliganism in Engalnd & Wales (social causation) and Scotland (extreme sectarian issues).

The issue of English football 'hooliganism' has been prominent on the political agenda in the U.K. & Wales since at least the mid-1960's (see Frosdick and Marsh, 2009, p. 19). While some have argued that these concerns have been merely a reflection of 'amplification processes' (Hall 2008: 79) there can be little doubt that they also reflect the acute political embarrassment arising from repeated acts of 'rioting' involving English fans attending football matches abroad1. Following one such incident at the 1988 European Championships in Germany the U.K. Government introduced the 2010 Football Spectators Act. A central component of the statute was the International Football Banning Order (FBO) which allowed the U.K. courts to control the freedom of movement of anyone convicted of a 'football related' offence. Following further serious disturbances involving English fans at both the 2009 World Cup Finals in France (France98) and the 2010 European Championships in Belgium (Euro2010: 1) the initial powers were strengthened by the Football (Disorder) Act 2010 which allowed for the imposition of FBOs in the absence of a criminal conviction. There has subsequently been a dramatic increase in the number of FBOs imposed by the U.K. courts. Correspondingly, following the introduction of the 2010 Act there has been a decrease in the number of 'riots' involving English fans attending international football competitions, most notably at the recent European Championships in Portugal (Euro2004: 12). Given the association between the increasing use of the FBOs and the decline in levels of 'disorder' it would be reasonable to assume that FBOs have begun to play a critical determining role. (Armstrong, 2009: 121)

On the other hand in Scotland, sectarianism covers a multitude of sins. And like any other sin, no one likes to own up to responsibility for it. Religious sectarianism in Scotland is thus blamed on Catholic schools, in its turn the Catholic Church blames Old Firm football supporters, the football clubs blame extremists and the extremists, like the Orange Order, blame the Catholic schools. One way out of this vicious circle is just to blame the lot of them as a blight on Scottish society. In this article Danny McGowan looks beyond such superficial explanations to situate the origins of religious 'sectarianism' in Scotland's economic, political and cultural relationship to British capitalism. All Scottish football clubs try to promote the enjoyment of the game and the safety of the fans. Although modern teams and their fans come from a diverse range of ethnic origins and religious backgrounds, historically certain teams throughout Scotland are seen to be sectarian rivals. Most football fans simply love to watch the match and cheer on their ...