Football Fever. Saturday Afternoon in the Midlands

The beginnings of football hooliganism in England.

Though violence on the pitch dates back to the Medieval Era, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the modern notion of ‘football hooliganism’ began to take root in Britain. According to Grinnell College,

“In 1885, Preston defeated Aston Villa 5-0 in a friendly match. The losing team’s fans went mad and began to attack the players from both teams. They threw stones and even came into direct contact with players, throwing blows which left one player unconscious. Safety provisions for the players did not exist due to both the lack in security guards and little known previous acts of hooliganism.”

Though such violent acts are omitted in this print, there are several indications of danger. The ‘Hospital for Football Accident’s shows several recovering fans, while in the background the ‘professional football delinquent’ are being herded into a large prison. Even the baby in the pram is catching up on the latest results!

Based on a drawing by the talented illustrator Harry Furniss, the print was originally published in the November 19, 1892 edition of Punch, or the London Charivari. This particular example was likely issued the following year, as part of a published volume.

Source.