A former Tottenham hooligan has lifted the lid on the dark world of football violence, revealing shocking stories from his time in the notorious 'firms' that once dominated English football.
In an explosive interview, the ex-hooligan – who remains anonymous – described Millwall fans as the 'worst opponents' he ever faced, claiming their reputation for violence was well-earned.
The Brutal Reality of Football Violence
The ex-hooligan painted a grim picture of organised fights, dangerous rivalries and a culture of fear that surrounded football in the 1980s and 90s.
'Millwall were by far the worst,' he admitted. 'They didn't care about the consequences – they just wanted to cause maximum damage.'
Inside the Hooligan Hierarchy
The interview revealed fascinating insights into how hooligan firms operated:
- Strict hierarchies within groups
- Pre-arranged fights in neutral locations
- Use of 'scouts' to track opposing fans
- Elaborate tactics to avoid police detection
'It wasn't just random violence,' the ex-hooligan explained. 'There was strategy, planning – almost like military operations.'
The Changing Face of Football Culture
The former hooligan acknowledged that football violence has dramatically decreased in recent years, crediting:
- Better policing and surveillance
- Stadium improvements and all-seater grounds
- Harsher legal consequences
- Changing attitudes among younger fans
'The game has changed completely,' he said. 'What we did seems almost prehistoric now.'
Despite his violent past, the ex-hooligan expressed regret about his actions, admitting the culture caused lasting damage to many lives.
