Sixty years ago, academics considered football hooligans as Marxist freedom fighters. Forty years ago, they were Britain’s folk devil. Twenty years ago, we were told they were gone and in 2024, we realised they never went anywhere.
The media has portrayed football hooligans as the most deviant and dangerous elements in British society, but who are they and why do some fans behave this way? What can we find out if we dig a little deeper – beyond the stereotypes and tabloid headlines?
The English Diseaseis the newest podcast to join our Legacy slate. This gripping documentary traces the remarkable movement through British culture, written and presented by football writer Sam Diss, produced by Nicky Anderson and Finn Ranson.
'Football hooliganism' is a dirty phrase in England, calling to mind football’s dark old days in the 80s. However, its legacy lingers on — in fashion and music, football and politics, policing and policy — and its people never really left. During Euro 2024, social media timelines across the UK were fed with a steady stream of violence, and today, the far-right movement has closer ties with 'lads' and 'hooligans' than ever before. This new series will take listeners straight to the centre of these dark spaces.
During this series, Sam will interview a range of contributors including former hooligans, some who say they were 'the best days of their lives’. Others openly voice their regret, such as a 21-year-old man who writes from prison charged with manslaughter after being involved in a football related attack. Sam will take listeners inside some of the biggest online football fan groups, as well as speaking to the leading experts who have devoted their lives to understanding this complex yet primal instinct to fight for your team.
The English Disease shines a light on football and British society. Embedded in the UK's national sport, this is a story of class consciousness, rebellion and adventure turning to embittered violence, tribalism and greed. It is a story of what happens when society disenfranchises its people, dismantles social structures and pits them against each other.
Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Episode one and two will be released on October 1st.