Understanding Football hooliganism
Ramón Spaaij

A comparison of six western European football clubs.

In Understanding Football Hooliganism, Ramon Spaaij reports on his extensive research into fan violence in various national and local contexts. Despite the many policy measures taken in various countries, supporter violence does not appear to have decreased significantly. Six Western European football clubs are central to this book: Fulham FC, Feyenoord, Sparta, RCD Espanyol, FC Barcelona and West Ham United. There are important differences in the nature and development of hooliganism in different countries and within cities that can be explained by the club culture of individual clubs and, for example, by relationships between hooligans, police and football clubs at local level. But there are also important similarities in the collective identity of hooligans: the thrill of violence, aggressive masculinity, territorialism, individual and collective reputation management, mutual solidarity and affection, and desire for sovereignty and autonomy. Spaaij offers a deep and detailed insight into collective violence and also maps the development and effects of the football hooliganism policy. This social problem has never been examined from an international perspective before. It is precisely through this perspective that Spaaij gains important insights. This accessibly written study is recommended for anyone who wishes to delve deeper into the nature and development of supporter violence, professionally or otherwise.