Soccer Hooliganism

To date, the only outbreak of soccer hooliganism in the world cup games has been in Moscow, much to the annoyance of Cameron Sawyer. Wins licited wild joy, and losses glumness, nothing more. From Mexico, Raśl Escalante writes: "I was very disturbed by the message Cameron Sawyer , in no small degree by the unease I myself feel regarding football-related hooliganism and rioting. Since the 1994 World Cup Mexican fans have celebrated our team's victories at the Independence Monument on Reforma Avenue, half a block away from the US Embassy. These celebrations have got rowdier over time as they are taken over by hooligans. The main difference between the the riots here and in Europe has been motive. Whereas there they were usually sparked by defeat, here it is winning that makes people violent.

I do not believe, however, that the sport is to blame. People who feel repressed will explode at whatever excuse they feel strongly enough about: look at the Los Angeles riots a few years ago. I don't think Americans' passion for sport ever supersedes their common sense and civic responsibility - at least not collectively. In other parts of the World people care too much about football to act maturely, or simply use it as an excuse to vent their anger (some European hooligans plan years ahead).

In 1986 a Newsweek article forecast that if Mexico lost to Germany there would be rioting. The reporter misunderstood public sentiment completely: we did indeed lose in a penalty shoot-off, and absolutely no trouble ensued. I believe that has changed however, and am worried that hooligans might take it into their clouded and diminutive minds to start attacking the US Embassy, whether Mexico wins or loses in the upcoming last-16 round game. Although riot police are sure to be stationed there long before the game even begins, who knows what the combination of alcohol, exhilaration, and pent-up social grievances will bring out (and there are is sure to be plenty of all three, as I'm sure you're aware)".

Ronald Hilton - 6/19/02