‘The way it was’: an account of soccer violence in the 1980s

Causes of football hooliganism are still widely disputed by academics, and narrative accounts from reflective ex‐hooligans in the public domain are often sensationalized. The aims of this essay are to critically assess some of the main academic theories behind the causes of football hooliganism; and, to consider the value of gathering less sensationalistic in‐depth narrative accounts from reflective ex‐hooligans in order to further understanding. This has been achieved through presenting findings from a case study comprising interviews and a life testimony from an ex‐ football hooligan who has become an active member of a Christian church. The methodological value of narrative accounts from reflective ex‐hooligans is also discussed in relation to its validity, representation and its general appropriateness towards the study of football hooliganism. A case is made for sociologists to consider using in‐depth oral accounts from reflective ex‐hooligans in order to ensure theory reflects empirical evidence.