Football hooliganism in Britain has roots going back to the late 1800s, but it became far more visible from the 1960s onwards. By the 1970s and 1980s, organised firms were linked to clubs across the country, and Britain gained an international reputation for football violence, often described as the “English Disease”.
As police attention increased, terrace culture changed. In the early 1980s, some firms moved away from obvious club colours, scarves and boots, instead wearing expensive European sportswear and designer clothing to blend in more easily. This shift helped shape the rise of football casual culture, terrace wear and the wider casuals clothing scene.
The 1980s became one of the most notorious eras in British football history. Firms such as the ICF, The Herd, Headhunters, Leeds Service Crew, Red Army, Bushwackers and others became part of football folklore, with rivalries often extending beyond the stadium.
A major turning point came after the Heysel Stadium Disaster in May 1985, when 39 Juventus supporters lost their lives before the European Cup Final. Following the tragedy, English clubs were banned from European competitions until 1990, with Liverpool banned for an additional year.
Since the 1990s, stronger policing, CCTV, banning orders and stadium reforms have significantly reduced football violence inside grounds. While isolated incidents still occur, the culture has changed dramatically.
Today, the legacy of football firms is most often seen through fashion, music, documentaries and the continuing influence of terrace fashion, football casual clothing and casuals culturein the UK.
The violence belongs mostly to history, but the style and identity of the era continue to shape British streetwear and match day culture.