A New Agenda For Football Crowd Management: Reforming Legal and Policing Responses to Risk

This book explores the legal and policing of football violence and disorder in Britain, combining ethnographic and participant-action research to critically examine the challenges of managing football crowds. It proposes fundamental reforms to law and policing and is valuable to academics, students, legal and policing practitioners, and policy-makers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 367 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive and interdisciplinary book delves into the intricate realm of legal regulation and policing of football violence and disorder in Britain. Through groundbreaking ethnographic and participant-action research, it combines a crowd psychology and socio-legal approach to critically examine the contemporary challenges of managing football crowds. It sheds light on the processes that give rise to football disorder and highlights the limitations of traditional approaches to policing 'football hooliganism,' particularly the predominant emphasis on controlling 'risk supporters.' The book then presents proposals for fundamental reforms to both law and policing, aimed at addressing these issues effectively.

This invaluable resource will appeal to a wide range of scholars, students, legal and policing practitioners, as well as policy-makers. The two authors, renowned experts in the management and behavior of football crowds, have pooled their extensive research spanning over 30 years from the fields of law and social psychology, making this book a groundbreaking contribution to the field.

The book's holistic and interdisciplinary approach provides a deep understanding of the complex dynamics that contribute to football violence and disorder. It explores the social, cultural, and economic factors that influence fan behavior, as well as the legal frameworks and policies that governrowd management. By examining the experiences of both fans and officials, the book offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced in preventing and managing football-related incidents.

One of the key strengths of this book is its use of ethnographic and participant-action research methodologies. These approaches allow the authors to gain firsthand insights into the experiences and perspectives of fans, officials, and other stakeholders involved in football violence and disorder. This rich data provides a foundation for the analysis and interpretation of the findings, enabling the authors to develop nuanced and empathetic understandings of the issues at hand.

The book also addresses the broader societal implications of football violence and disorder. It explores the impact of such incidents on communities, the media, and public perception of football and sports in general. By raising awareness of the social and cultural factors that contribute to football-related violence, the book encourages a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to addressing these issues.

Furthermore, the book offers practical recommendations for reforming the legal and policing systems in Britain. It advocates for a more proactive and preventative approach to crowd management, focusing on early intervention, education, and community engagement. It also calls for the development of robust policies and procedures that prioritize the safety and well-being of all fans, regardless of their background or affiliations.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the legal regulation and policing of football violence and disorder in Britain. Its comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, grounded in robust research methodologies, provides valuable insights into the contemporary challenges and opportunities faced in managing football crowds. By offering practical recommendations for reform, the book contributes to the ongoing efforts to promote safe and inclusive environments for football fans and to prevent the escalation of football-related violence.

Weight: 632g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031162978
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022