Hooliganism refers to unruly and destructive behaviour. Such behaviour is commonly associated with sports fans, particularly supporters of professional football and university sports. In some countries, the hooligan elements of a group of supporters are known as Category C. The term can also apply to general rowdy behaviour and vandalism, often under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The term has been used since at least the 1890s, to describe the behaviour of street gangs. The first use of the term is unknown, but it appeared in an 1898 Londonpolice report. One theory is that the word came from the name of an Irish hoodlum from Southwark, London named Patrick Hoolihan.[1][2] There has also been reference made to a 19th century family by that name who lived in rural Ireland, known for their wild lifestyle, resulting in anyone who lived similarly as being referred to as a hooligan. Another theory is that it came from a street gang in Islington named Hooley. Yet another theory is that the term is based on an Irish word, houlie, which means a wild, spirited party.[3]
Hooliganism as a legal category of criminal offense
Soviet Union and Russia
In the Soviet Union, hooliganism (??????????? huliganstvo) was made a criminal offence under the penal codes of the Soviet republics. Article 213 of the penal code defined hooliganism as "any deliberate behaviour which violates public order and expresses explicit disrespect towards the society." This law was often used by Soviet authorities against political dissidents. Hooliganism is still covered under the criminal and administrative codes of Russia, and is applicable to persons at least 16 years old. Hooliganism is graded into Malicious hooliganism (???????? ???????????), hooliganism (???????????), and Petty hooliganism (?????? ???????????). Petty hooliganism is "subject to administrative proceedings" (roughly equivalent to application of the civil law) and classified as roughly equivalent to an infraction. It is mostly applied to minor street disorders and fighting by urban youth. Malicious hooliganism is defined as being committed "with extraordinary cynicism, with resistance to law enforcement, with usage of arms or attempt thereof, or committed by a recidivist."[4]
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