Inside Lower League Football Violence – Luton & York

In 1985 back then, football violence was a widespread problem, tainting our national game. It was a social and political issue. There was an infamous riot by Millwall fans at Luton Town and the Heysel tragedy. Football’s decision makers decreed enough was enough, football had to change forever. The threat of hooliganism had to be eradicated from the game. But was it?

In May 2010, 25 years on, Luton’s Kenilworth Road stadium was in the news again. In the second leg of a play-off semi-final between Luton Town and York City, violence flared at the final whistle. York City players cowered in the back of a stand as they were pelted with missiles from rival Luton fans and fights broke out with police on the pitch. Shocking images were the lead story on Sky Sports News for 24 hours. But there was something else equally as alarming about the events at Kenilworth Road, because this was hardcore hooliganism at a NON-LEAGUE football match.

For the past two decades television has saturated the Premiership, inflating the cost of players to the clubs, and therefore ticket prices to the supporters. The casual terrace thug from the working-class culture that gave birth to the football fan has been priced out of the market. Or so it seemed. But he has simply gone elsewhere. The emphasis has shifted. Like mercury oozing across an uneven surface, football hooligans have found the cracks.

This 10 minute documentary by TopBoysTv dives into the world of football hooliganism in the lower leagues feauring lads from York Normads Society and Luton Town Migs.