Professional Fights, Pacts and Ways of Conduct: The Hermetic World of Polish Hooligans

Abstract

This chapter reveals the ambiguous image of Polish hooligan groups. Due to ‘functional differentiation’ in the world of fandom, they have become more professionalized and focused on their own activity. Many hooligans engage in arranged fights which take place away from the stadiums without any incidental bystanders. Over time, the rules of hooligan fights have been subject to evolution and regulation. Although one of the main rules is a ban on the use of weapons or dangerous objects, this principle is not always respected. Another rule strictly bans any cooperation with the police. Compliance with the rules has become a factor in building the discourse of ‘honour’ among hooligans. The chapter investigates the consequences of ‘professionalization’ of hooliganism: engagement in martial arts on the one hand, and criminal activity on the other. Promotion in hooligan hierarchy is intrinsically linked to personal trust and commitment to the goals of the group. Many hooligan formations have become criminal groups involved in drug trafficking, racketeering and smuggling.