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| | Football Violence in Europe - Cross-Cultural Differences |
 | | Although football hooliganism in the Netherlands is said to have been heavily influenced by ‘the English Disease’, the Dutch followers of the national team appear to have adopted a more ‘Italian’, theatrical style in recent years, characterised by colourful costumes and displays, and a carnival atmosphere of singing, dancing and good-natured celebration. |
| | Supporting a football team is clearly a political gesture: Athletico Bilbao draws support from Basques and anti-fascists living in other parts of Spain, who “identify with the values represented by the club” and claim that “when Athletico play in a final, 50,000 fans are cheering in Madrid bars”. |
| | While the police have absolute responsibility for football crowds, “they never appear in large groups, or go armed with helmets and weapons when on duty at club matches.” This is in direct contrast to the approach of the Swedish police, who attend most matches equipped with the full regalia of shields, helmets, visors and weapons. |
| www.sirc.org /publik/fvcross.html (9168 words) |
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