Hooligan wars : causes and effects of football violence

The good, the bad, the beautiful game: a mix that few can explain and yet whenever football hooliganism breaks out, the government, the football authorities, the police and journalists are all too ready to offer quick-fix solutions - solutions that rarely consider the underlying causes of the violence.

Is it about boys becoming men, racism and the hatred of all things foreign or about a defence of territory and national pride?

This title looks behind the easy answers by comparing England's fan culture to football supporters' experience in France, Germany and Holland.

The role of fascist groups is investigated, the effect of media coverage of hooliganism is analysed and the impact of all-seater stadiums reviewed.

Rivalry with "the other lot" and winding up those we love to put one over on will always be a big part of what it means to be a football fan.

Is the connection between this and violence something that can never be broken?

What would football be like free of hooliganism? In trying to rid the game of its ugly underbelly, are we in danger of softening too many of those rough edges that makes it so special?