Fear and loathing for violent football film

A film which appears to glamorise the world of football violence is being premiered this week in London.

14:27 11 May 2004

In the run-up to the Euro 2004 football tournament a film which appears to glamorise the world of football violence is being premiered this week in London.

Directed by Nick Love "The Football Factory", which comes from John King's novel about the infamous Chelsea Headhunters, has provoked unease among those looking to enjoy a trouble-free tournament.

Concerns have been expressed about the film's content and many feel its release, just weeks before Euro 2004 is rather ill timed.

A month before police will be trying to keep the hooligans out of Portugal, the chairman of the all-party Parliamentary Football Group has attacked the film.

Labour MP Alan Keen believes: "There is no doubt some football hooligans will be influenced by the contents to cause trouble in Portugal."

He added: "Speaking to hooligans for research is fair enough, but actually using them in the film is irresponsible."

The promotional credits for the film include six people who either have convictions or are the subject of banning orders preventing them from travelling to Euro 2004.

The makers of the film seem to be actively seeking out controversy, and are reported to have been touring the country playing it to invited audiences of hooligans.

Around 250 members of Cardiff City's notorious Soul Crew viewed "The Football Factory" at the invitation of its director.

The film is out on general release this Friday.