Hooliganism in the MLS

Yesterday, West Ham United an east London club played the Columbus Crew from Ohio. The end result is one of the first major incidents of hooliganism between the MLS and the Premiership. At halftime 30 West Ham supporters wandered into the Columbus supporters section, resulting in a brawl between the two groups.

Shawn Mitchell from the Columbus Dispatch wrote, "From the southeastern corner of Crew Stadium came the West Ham United chants: 'East! East! East Lon-don!' From the northeastern came the answer: 'Co-lum-bus! Co-lum-bus!'Yesterday's war of words turned physical at halftime of the Crew's exhibition match against West Ham, when a handful of West Ham fans ventured into the heart of the Crew's supporters section. A scuffle broke out and stadium security quickly pulled the West Ham interlopers to the stadium concourse. The next few minutes were frantic."

West Ham United's firm the ICF are one of the most famous supporters groups in all of Europe. At the end of the brawl they threw their flag into the Columbus section, which proclaimed, "ICF, 30 Years Undefeated." The Columbus Crew were represented by the 100 strong "Columbus Union." Supporters groups are growing in America and this could be a big deal for the MLS. Hooliganism often sparks great interest in a league, and brings with it lasting rivalries between teams that results in ticket sales and furthered fanaticism.

A great example of this is the rivalry that grew between the Tottenham Hot Spurs and Feyenoord F.C. Their battle in 1974 happen in Rotterdam and officially exported hooliganism from England into the Netherlands. Has England exported their football byproduct again? And will this help the game grow in America?

By the way West Ham United 3 - 1 Columbus Crew.

Here are some videos of the Tottenham Hotspurs - Feyenoord battles:

The Real Football Factories International: Holland


Supporters Video: