Watch The Real Football Factories

The Real Football Factories is a documentary series from Bravo (UK) that first aired in 2006. Hosted by actor Danny Dyer, the series delves into the world of football hooliganism, exploring the culture and history of football gangs in various regions of the UK. Each episode focuses on a specific city, including London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle, and examines the unique characteristics of local football hooliganism. Through interviews with former hooligans, club officials, and police officers, the show provides an inside look at the dangerous and often violent world of football gangs.

The show also explores the historical context of football hooliganism, tracing its roots back to the 1960s and 70s when working-class youth began to band together and fight for their local club. The rivalry between clubs and fan bases became increasingly violent, leading to clashes outside of stadiums and on city streets.

Throughout the series, Dyer travels to various locations associated with football hooliganism, including pubs, housing estates, and even prisons, where he speaks with former hooligans who have served time for their crimes. In addition to interviews with those directly involved in the culture, the show also features commentary and analysis from experts in the field of football hooliganism.

One of the key themes of The Real Football Factories is the idea that football hooliganism is a product of the social and economic circumstances of the time, rather than a simple matter of individual deviance. The show highlights the role that poverty, unemployment, and social inequality played in the rise of football gangs, and argues that addressing these underlying issues is key to reducing violence and disorder associated with football matches.

Despite its often bleak subject matter, The Real Football Factories is compelling viewing, offering a unique and informative perspective on a phenomenon that has long fascinated and terrified fans of the beautiful game. Dyer's conversational tone and easy rapport with his interviewees help to make the material accessible, while the show's mix of archive footage and contemporary scenes of football matches and fan activity bring the world of football hooliganism vividly to life.

While it is clear that the show does not glorify or condone violence in any way, it is also undeniably true that The Real Football Factories presents a graphic and at times disturbing portrayal of a subculture that has caused immense harm and suffering to many people over the years. The show is not for the faint of heart, and viewers should be prepared for scenes of violence and explicit language.

Overall, The Real Football Factories is a fascinating and illuminating documentary series that sheds light on a dark and often misunderstood aspect of football culture. By exploring the history, culture, and social factors that underpin football hooliganism, the show offers a valuable perspective on the complex web of forces that contribute to this troubling phenomenon.

Note: Some viewers may find the subject matter of this show disturbing or offensive. Viewer discretion is advised.