Polish Hooligans?



Hooligans have always been a problem at football. Alcohol is often involved, leading to violence. The British hooligans were the first to travel abroad to matches throughout Eurpoe. For this World Cup more than 15 countries have worked together with German forces to prevent hooliganism.

In fact the problem of this World Cup may not be terrorism or racism but rather Hooliganism. All it takes is one day, one small confrontation could erupt into something much larger. Sitting in the heart of Europe, Germany could see hooligans crossing its borders from all sides.

Experts say this year the English hooligans may not be the worst but rather the
Polish hooligans.

Last November a massive fight involving over 100 Polish and German hooligans brawled in a wooded area in the middle of the night near the Polish border. The rumble was organized by both sides using text messaging. Even members of a motorcycle gang were involved.

German police are especially concerned about a match between Germany and Poland on June 14 in Dortmund.

Reports have surfaced that a small number of English hooligans have made it into Germany ahead of the World Cup.

Another 200 to 300 more hooligans from Sweden may be inside Germany.

It's worse, not just Poland and England, but there is a budding hooligan culture in Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy too. All countries within an easy train ride by young adolescent inebriated males looking for an adrenaline rush.

For the 1990 World Cup in Italy, many English hooligans — then regarded as the worst—didn't even bother buying round-trip tickets. They knew they would be deported, which would be cheaper.

For some hooligans they see this World Cup as a chance to prove that they are the "best" hooligans in the world. British hooligan expert Dougie Brimson warns that English fans will be a "prime target" for foreign firms out to seize England's former reputation for producing the most dangerous supporters.