Interview

After interviewing a former member of a football firm, I have gotten a much better understanding as to why gangs are appealing to hooligans. The man that I interviewed is currently no longer associated with hooliganism, but wishes to remain anonymous. He is currently 48 years old and has a steady career. He was a member of the Red Army, a firm that follows Manchester United.
When I asked him what he remembers most about the guys in his firm, he said that he recalls their loyal, persistent, and reliable nature. He said that the firm was like their families. I then asked him why did they partake in violence and organize riots, and he said that at the time he would have answered it was just for the fun of it. Looking back, he says it was much more than that. The members of most gangs had money, lived in big houses, and were in schools receiving an education. The thing that many of the guys lacked was a parent who spent time with them. Parents were either divorced or had other problems, like workaholics or alcoholics. He says that the qualities that they lacked at home, they were able to find in each other. As a result, the violence and the riots were about proving your love for each other, coming back for somebody who was left behind, or standing strong next to your friends when thirty guys want to punch your face in. These are considered expressions of love for us, and that’s the reason for all the violence. He concludes by saying that he feels lucky to have so many friends that would be willing to jump in front of a train for him.

Anonymous, Tara Caney, E-Mail, Norton, MA, 20 April 2010.