Is football hooliganism really rising?- Feature

 On a street corner by a pub, a group of young men see the Birmingham firm approaching from all angles. For these lads, their adrenaline starts pumping, their fists clench and (no matter what happens) they aren’t moving; they have the buzz knowing they're going to have a scrap. The feeling, for them, is electric. There’s a faint smile across Bernard’s face as he relives his glory moments as a core member of the BBC.

Between September 2014 and July 2019, Sheffield United had 47 football-related violent disorder arrests. This makes them the fourth highest in England. Bernard* is a former member of Sheffield United's hooligans- the Blades Business Crew (BBC), his two nephews Ryan* (26-years-old) and Josh* (19-years-old) have also skirted the edges of football violence. Bernard talks about why he sees this rising. 

Bernard and his brother became involved with the BBC when he was about 18/19 years-old. “You don’t join it”, he begins casually. “You become involved in it. A lot of the guys I mixed with, I got to know by going to the games and your circle gets wider. An incident happens and you become involved in it and pals who were also there you get closer to. It’s tribal. You become part of the BBC, part of the family.” This family has now integrated his two young nephews. 

“When it used to go up, you feel the tension coming and you see a big gang of lads and you know you're gonna mix it with them. It was part of the build-up to the game. You met, travelled, went for a drink and then you would have an arranged meeting with them, hopefully, away from the prying eyes of the police and then there would be that confrontation. For me, it was a total buzz”, said Bernard. 

The man sitting opposite me nervously nibbling at his nails doesn't seem to be the hardened football criminal the stories would suggest. This especially doesn't seem the case when his worry and concern is evident on his face when talking about young people today getting involved in football hooliganism. He adds, in a gruff voice: “Covid hasn’t been great for violence this year as people can now travel but today the boys getting involved are so young. I see 14/15-year-old kids and you see them wearing the clothes; the CP company, the Stone Island and they’re hangers-on. They’re not hardened hooligans, they're just kids copying their fathers. The revival is chancers wanting to relive the 80s and 90s. 

“I think the idealism is they want to be involved with something bad and it’s easy with phones to arrange. They get each other on social media but for many of them it’s the idea of being involved in something and it’s tribal.”

Josh is an intelligent, confident and rather small lad. He is not what you would imagine when you think of a football hooligan, he agrees: “I think there’s an appeal because you feel a part of something like a movement. We enjoy backing our friends up when they’re in trouble.”

But it's the stories in pubs, the YouTube videos and the books that add to this desire to be involved in something like this. Steve Cowens books, former general of the BBC, has a big role to play in this. Bernard said: “All (of these) have contributed to people wanting to dip their toe into the world of football hooligans.” This glamorisation has allowed people to think football violence is something it’s not. Bernard, despite having many happy times, recalls times of fear. 

Josh, confirms what his uncle says: “Football violence could be rising because of social media. There are groups on social media where rival fans talk and organise meetups. Also, lots of young people watch YouTube where there are many videos of rivals fighting. I don’t think the recent lockdown helps either, it’s stopped young people going out and releasing some tension which they can at football matches.”

Back in his heyday Bernard was a notorious figure; six-foot-tall, broad lad with a thick moustache and a blondish ponytail- he assures this was fashionable, now he still is an imposing figure but the grey and wisdom have seeped in. “It was just a phase. It makes you realise there’s more to life. The older guys, some of them are still involved. They have this persona now because they can’t get out. I’ve stepped right back but I'm known.” Football hooliganism was different back then, now there’s CCTV on every corner and police are far more on top of it. National Police Chief Council football lead, Mark Roberts, parallel to Bernard’s view, told the Sun: “in reality, fan violence is ten times higher than arrest figures.” 

Due to Bernard and his brother's high standings in the BBC, they are well known. It’s the same for his nephews. Family legacy plays an enormous role in why younger generations are involved; they have a name to live up to.  “My nephews are guilty by association. Everyone looks after the boys but I knew they would follow that path.” 

Josh said: “I think there will generally always be something on me and Ryan because of our last name. We both don’t drink or go out down Hillsborough (where Sheffield Wednesday is) as we know something will end up happening.”

The tales of Bernard holding his young newphew’s hands as he knocked the ‘opposition’ off their feet, give a sense of inevitably surrounding their involvement, like many others. This is all they know and they are brought up around. When asked this, Josh’s forehead crinkled trying to remember these events of which he has vague recollections. 

Bernard hopes this new peak of football hooliganism is a phase from which young people move on quickly, he says with a furrowed brow: “You learn your lessons quick. I dare say I’ve left my mark on a few people but it’s how we lived and you can’t change it. I've done some horrible things but it was just a buzz when we were doing it.”

Sheffield United and South Yorkshire Police have been approached for comment but have not responded. 

*Names have been changed for anonymity reasons.

Q&A with Blake Gidley-Disability British Gymnastic all-around champion

 Blake Gidley, 23, from Lincolnshire won seven medals including two golds at the Disability British Gymnastic Championships in Stoke-on-Trent last week. Blake has ADHD and Autism and has been doing gymnastics for 13-years.

 The 23-year-old took home golds in the rings events and all-around. All-around is all the disciplines scores put together. He also won silver in the floor, vault, parallel bars and high bar. Additionally, he earned a bronze on the Pommel horse. We asked him some questions to get to know him a bit better. 

What is your training regime? 

My current training regime is four hours a week in the gymnastics gym. I know this is a lot less than other people do at my level, therefore to make up for the lack of hours in the gym, I travel to Nottingham to go to their adult gymnastics sessions which gives me another two hours a week on pieces. The benefit of training in Nottingham is them having Pitts to use to help me practice more risky and difficult skills in a safe environment. 

At home, I normally train two to three times a day for around three hours; this makes up for the lack of time I get in the gymnastics gym. Most of the time I focus on rings. At home, I also do ice baths and other rehab techniques this gives me that extra edge in what I do.

What would you say to others who have ADHD and Autism and want to get involved in gymnastics?

I would say go for it. Make sure you enjoy it, work hard and you will be able to achieve great things. Never let the fact you have disabilities hold you back, as you can do amazing things if you work hard enough and want it enough.

What was it like to do so well at the Disability British Gymnastics Championship?

It was pretty surreal to do so well. This was my first time competing at a national level and my first time competing since Covid-19. I wasn't sure what to expect, and to hit all my routines and do so well, winning the competition was amazing and one of the best feelings I've had.

How did you feel winning the all-around event?

Winning still hasn't fully set in. It’s a relief to know all my hard work paid off. I’m so happy and even more motivated after winning the all-around. For the last two years, I have been a specialist and I only returned to training high bar vault and floor in the last six weeks specifically for this competition, so getting to the level I have back on those pieces.

Why is rings your favourite event?

Rings has always been my favourite event. I have always naturally had lots of strength and power, so they have always come more natural to me. I feel most comfortable and have the most fun on rings. That’s why becoming Rings Olympic champion is my ultimate life goal.

Who inspires you in the gymnastics world and why?

Kohei Uchimura and Yuri Van Gelder are my two biggest inspirations when it comes to gymnastics. Uchimura is a Japanese artistic gymnast; who is a seven-time Olympic medallist. Van Gelder is a Dutch gymnast; their best discipline is the rings.  I love how Uchimura just makes everything looks effortless and perfect, and van Gelder for his insane level of strength on Rings which is where I'm aiming to get to.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I aim to be a lot higher level than I currently am. I want to get into the Olympic team for 2028 and be going for the Olympic Rings Gold.

5 races to re-watch while self isolating

Because of no racing, I didn't know what to do with my time, so I decided to re-watch some of the greatest races.

It wasn't easy but here are my top 5 races...

1) Red Rum- All three of his Grand National victories were goosebump invokers and history makers. Personally, the 1973 is my favourite. The key to his wins was staying wide in the field. In the 1973 race, Crisp was about 20 lengths clear seemingly not going to be beaten. Red Rum was second. Both are well clear of the rest of the field. And just before the line, Red Rum manages to catch Crisp to narrowly get the win. From that moment you know he's something special.

2) Frankel- The unbeaten 14 timer on British soil. Any of his races would be worth a watch but especially the 2000 Guineas. With no pacemakers and going to the front, we can see the full ability of Frankel. He easily went clear and keeps extending the lead. Other horses not even having a chance of winning. Another one of my favourites is the Juddemonte international.

3) Tiger Roll- His 2018 Grand National win. Hearts in mouths as he approached the final few jumps. There were fallers all over. He managed to stay up and in that moment alone I knew he'd win. The first double Grand National winner since Red Rum.

4) Frodon- I have a massive soft spot for this horse. His efforts in the Ryanair chase last year is one of racings unforgettable memories. After leading near enough the whole way, it looked like Aso would beat him. He refused to give up after jumping well throughout. Realistically he should never have won that class of race but it makes him more loveable. Bryony Frosts interview after is also one that will always stick in my mind.

5) Enable- Controversial I know. I believe she's one of the best horses today despite her failings in the Arc. She's versatile in her running making her even more of a threat. Her performance in the King George VI and Queen Anne Stakes 2019 her pace and battling against Crystal Ocean was simply breathtaking.

Here are some of my favourites. What are yours?

How will the Coronavirus pandemic impact racing?

We had the sad update that racing would be cancelled earlier this week.

After initially saying it would take part behind closed doors due to coronavirus. Realistically this is for the best. Just a shame especially with the big meetings coming up.

Irish racing first announced that they'd be racing behind closed doors. The first meeting being Dundalk. The images from the racecourse make it look like a ghost town. This was followed by Kelso. It was thought that all racing would be like this, instead, it has been closed down.

It's uncertain as to when this will be lifted. These closures came after the rumour mill saying there was hope for the Lincoln meeting. The start of the flat and one of the biggest days of the calendar. Even if it wasn't open for the general public, each owner would have allegedly received one badge per horse instead of the normal complimentary six.

A bigger blow was the Grand National being cancelled. This much-anticipated meeting due to the sheer number of tickets sold isn't happening.

People all had the same question on the tip of their tongues: will Tiger Roll complete the treble. Gordon Elliot has however said it's more than likely he will come back next year.

The impact of the coronavirus on racing has much backlash as not only are caterers losing money. The bigger chains of betting can take the hit. There's much concern for independent old-style bookmakers with their stands. As without punters, there's going to be economic issues. Also, there's a serious worry for the people in the yards as the media hysteria swirls as they simply have to turn up to work to look after the horses. The horses also are raring to go but can't.

With rumours of complete lockdown swirling around, people are wondering what this means for them and their work within stables. All the horses still need to be looked after.

There's also a big concern about the stabling bills and how these should be paid. Mick Easterby leading the way saying to owners bills are dropped by 30 percent.

This is a very uncertain time for everyone, even those who aren't in the industry. We can only hope that the racing will return as soon as it's safe to.