Annals of Football (soccer) Hooliganism: Egypt vs. Algeria

The history of football hooliganism is well-documented and dates back to 12th century England, where football (or soccer) was banned because it was strongly believed that it led to social unrest and even treason. The recent hooliganism demonstrated by both Egyptian and Algerian soccer fans prove that time (eight centuries of it to be exact) has done little to assuage the primal, borderline barbaric sentiments triggered by the sport making its impact on social unrest and diplomatic tensions ever so evident.

Algeria beat Egypt 1-0 at their much-anticipated and much-publicized game in Sudan yesterday after an impressive Egyptian win on Saturday. Hoards of Egyptians fans made it down to the neighboring country to support their national team but found themselves dealing with something far worse than fervent Algerian fans--they dealt with mobs of violent, vicious Algerians even after the game ended with Algeria's win.

The recent violence has muffled the hollow and hackneyed cries of Arab unity and brotherhood echoed by both nations for over half a century. It has also exposed a deep-seeded resentment that both nations have harbored for each other for twenty years now. In 1989, an eerily similar situation took place when Egypt beat Algeria in the World Cup qualifier, triggering widespread fights and an incident where an Algerian player gouged out an eye of an Egyptian fan with a broken glass bottle.

This violence is a symptom of deeply depressed societies, in my very humble opinion. Both countries are emasculated by their political regimes and imprisoned by their own cultures and traditions. Nationalism carries a heavy emotional weight but rarely any substance in the Arab world. Add to that the highly emotional and histrionic nature of both peoples and you have a recipe for disaster. Historically, soccer has been the best platform to which this explosive recipe is applied, and its always heightened when the opponent is another Arab country.

Both Egyptians and Algerians have stooped to a new level with these recent actions and have done irreparable damage to their already marred public and international image. When I hear the term "football hooligan" in the future, I'll longer envision a young English drunkard yelling "bloody murder" but rather I'll be thinking of a mob of histrionic North Africans who lost all hopes in country and God and took refuge in yelling at and terrorizing others.

UPDATE (Nov 20, 2009): It looks like FIFA started an investigation over the Algerian bus attack in Cairo, Egypt. Meanwhile, the tension is rising rapidly between the two countries. I've never seen such hatred in my life! Sick. 

Comments

[Asooma]

ALGERIE ..
Algeria plaied A very Good & clean play !
i love the way they plaied !!
and مبروووك ليهم الفوز
Best wishes on كآس العآلم

One Two Three ... Viva l'ALGERIE
One Two Three ... Viva l'ALGERIE
One Two Three ... Viva l'ALGERIE

[Nick Matyas]

Very good posting. I just love it.
Good work. :)

http://www.webroyalty.com

[non-fiction books]

there are hardcore supporters and then there are the hooligans. these are two very distinct differences.

have you read "Understanding Football Hooliganism" by Spaaij?

[generic viagra]

I think that Hooligans are a bad PR for the soccer world and for the country they represent, they overpass the limit on been fan on your country's team.
By the way the name that fans of my team here in my country use for themselves are "La Ultra"