Analysis of the causes of growth and development of hooligan groups in football

Abstract

In recent years, football hooligan groups have gained strength and power, as revealed by several studies consulted for this article. One of the topics we will highlight is the study and analysis of these groups, emphasizing the passion, euphoria, and dedication of the fans for their teams. This phenomenon knows no limits or borders, as it is like a celebration they experience in the stadiums during the game. Most of these young people develop an identity based on specific expressions and attitudes, to the point of defending it violently. They acquire an aggressive and impulsive personality, leading to confrontations and fights with other groups of fans from opposing teams, turning it into a struggle to compete for or defend their team. Drug use is also prevalent among these groups of young people before, during, and after events, a substance that leads to violent, aggressive, and criminal behavior. These young people, who call themselves fans, follow their favorite team to the point of undertaking long journeys, which they call "endurance trips," where they demonstrate their loyalty and commitment through their endurance. Since they lack any official support to travel to their teams' matches, they are forced to make their own way, often asking for free or very low-cost bus rides to reach their destination and support their beloved team, regardless of whether they win or lose. It is said that these hooligan groups pose a risk to society, a risk created by football itself.