Ep 6. England Away
The Real Football Factories is a British documentary series that explores the world of football hooliganism. In season 1 episode 6, titled "England Away," the focus is on the notorious reputation of English football fans when they travel abroad to watch their national team play.
The episode begins by highlighting the history of England fans causing trouble overseas, particularly in the 1980s and 90s. The show's presenter, Danny Dyer, shares his own experiences of traveling with England supporters and witnessing first-hand the violence and chaos that can ensue.
Dyer meets with a group of England fans who call themselves the "Yids," a nod to their Jewish heritage. They explain that they have experienced anti-Semitic abuse at previous games and have therefore taken it upon themselves to defend their identity and fight back against any prejudice.
The episode then follows Dyer and the Yids as they travel to a match against Israel in Tel Aviv. As they move through the city, tensions are high and the threat of violence is palpable. Dyer interviews local police officers who explain the measures they have put in place to try and prevent any trouble.
Despite the precautions, a group of England fans end up clashing with Israeli supporters outside the stadium, with missiles and flares thrown on both sides. The police move in quickly to separate the two groups and prevent the violence from escalating.
The episode also examines the role of social media in modern-day football hooliganism, with Dyer meeting with a group of young fans who use online platforms to arrange fights with rival supporters. The dangers of this type of behaviour are highlighted when the group is caught in a violent clash with a rival gang in a remote location, with one member ending up in hospital with serious injuries.
Towards the end of the episode, Dyer reflects on the behaviour of England fans overseas and the wider issue of football hooliganism. He acknowledges that while violence and aggression have been a part of football culture for many years, there is no excuse for the kind of behaviour that puts innocent people in danger.
The Real Football Factories season 1 episode 6 offers a thought-provoking insight into the dark side of football culture. It shines a light on the dangers of violent behaviour and the impact it can have on both fans and the wider community.
