Football Hooligans

This country has had a problem with hooligans since the game was invented way back when, but is it really a problem or they just misunderstood? A lot of people would say it is a big problem with damage being caused to property and people and the hooligans do not seem to care where they fight as long as they do it. A minority would say however, that hooliganism is what the media makes of it and is no problem at all. The hooligans themselves would support this view perhaps and knowing a few personally, they have compared it to a number of 'regular' hobbies. They say its the same concept as a jogger going for a jog.....simply because he likes to jog. They say they fight each other because they like to fight each other and they go on to say its both fun and exciting and not causing anyone else harm. To them, they fight only each other and not random people from the street, they only go for like minded individuals with one plan in mind, which is the main reason they see no problem. If they had it their way they would fight in a field out of view and just go at it until one firm wins, but unfortunately life isn't so simple and this would not be allowed by anyone so the way they see it is if they are going to 'have it' then they will have it on the streets away from the cameras and if anyone is there to witness then so be it. Many would say that hooliganism is not a problem though, simply because the media does not report it in this country anymore. They feel it adds a certain glamour to it and promotes it so they would rather not report it at all unless it is a major incident like the West Ham vs Millwall clash a few years back. This is not the case however, as football violence is still prevalent in todays society. CCTV seems to be working with the majority of fights either being recorded and used as evidence to prosecute people or fights taking place in areas with no cameras and away from the public in a way making it a bit 'safer' for the average passer by. If hooliganism was not a problem, then there wouldn't be so many bans but as it happens, People are getting banned every week for football related violence which goes to show the scene is still alive today. It is very much alive, but will it ever return to the levels we saw in the 70's and 80's or will it stay hidden away in the quiet areas of towns and cities across England, or diminish altogether?

Your thoughts please on whether its a problem or not and what level will it reach in the coming years.