An anonymous former West Ham United hooligan has revealed details of his violent and criminal life on the terraces.
During a comprehensive chat on the Legacy podcast series (via Wales Online), he stated that a prison sentence wasn’t a punishment but rather something that enhanced his reputation.
Over the years, conflicts between West Ham and Millwall fans have become infamous, marked by intense rivalry and frequent violence.
Many participants in these notorious fights received lengthy prison sentences, spending many years behind bars.
For a regular person, a prison sentence is a harsh and life-altering experience, often bringing feelings of isolation and a significant disruption to personal and professional life.
For a hooligan, it’s often considered a badge of honour, fortifying their identity within their subculture rather than serving as a deterrent while gaining them notoriety and respect among their peers.
Reputation is paramount in the realm of hooliganism.
This phenomenon rose to prominence during the second half of the 20th century.
However, with the emergence of CCTV and Draconian punishments, the once-thriving hooligan culture began to decline.
Increased surveillance and strict legal repercussions made it harder for these groups to operate without facing drastic consequences, forcing many to rethink their actions.
One such troublemaker opened up on his life in prison, admitting not even the threat of imprisonment would have deterred him from pursuing his status among West Ham fans.
“When I got nicked, it didn’t really matter that much to me. And also, it was a bit of a badge of honour as well,” the anonymous ex-con said, using the alias Jack Lewis.
“It’s proof that you are legit, and you’re not just a hanger-on.
“If you’re a young man from a working-class background in Britain, you probably ain’t got a lot else going on in your life,” he continued.
“If you’ve got a job, then it might not be one you’re excited about, or you’ve got big career prospects. [And] if you ain’t got a job, you’re sitting around doing f*** all all week.
“You ain’t really got much optimism about life [nor] a lot of hope.
“So this little bit of recreational disorder and violence is your bit of excitement in life.
“And that’s really what it boils down to. This is how you have fun. And it also gives you a bit of status, a bit of meaning to your life.
“I think the reason people, especially in the media, really struggle to understand the mentality of it is because they’ve never been in a position where they’ve got no chances and no hope.”