The English Disease | Legacy

5.0 (14)
DOCUMENTARY
SERIES

Football hooliganism is a dirty phrase in England. Say it and people will think of the 80s – the dark old days. Today, those terraces look very different. But the stories – of organised fights, of pub brawls, of banning orders – haven’t gone away. We see them everywhere on our social media timelines: a steady stream of violence swallowed by smartphones and regurgitated for hungry eyes online. This series digs deeper – beyond the stereotypes and tabloid headlines – to understand this violent subculture and why it’s forced its way back into our society in 2024. Embedded in our national sport, this is a story of class consciousness, rebellion, and adventure turning to embittered violence, tribalism, and greed. It is a story of what happens when society disenfranchises its people, dismantles its social structures, and pits them against one another. This is the untold story of The English Disease. From Stak, this is Season Two of the award-winning Legacy. Extraordinary sporting stories that really matter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See All Season 2 (7)

TRAILER

Introducing: The English Disease

There was a time when football hooliganism was everywhere. For decades it dominated headlines, merging the two things England loves most: football and fear. Over the course of six episodes, writer Sam Diss digs deeper – beyond the stereotypes and tabloid headlines – to understand what first brought people to this violent, sprawling subculture, and how it has forced its way back into our society today. This is the untold story of The English Disease. Subscribe now for new episodes every Tuesday throughout October. Extraordinary sporting stories that really matter. From Stak, this is Legacy. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2

•

3 min

5

out of 5

14 Ratings

Fantastic narrative from Sam

Oct 30

Cherrie Berry

I’m usually a fan of the light and funnier football ramble from Stake. However this is a very interesting more serious take on football history that’s very enjoyable
Worth a listen

Oct 9

Vegan Butcher

Well put together with an engrossing story
So relevant and insightful - necessary listening

Oct 9

JR⛳️

This is a fantastic series. Such poignant timing amid global and regional concerns surrounding immigration and the mentality that another group is always looking to replace them. The connection between this train of thought and the history of football violence is something I’ve never linked together, but now that I hear it, it makes so much sense. The host Sam conveys intelligence and realism so well and the podcast highly engaging with in person interviews mixed with his insightful narration. Can’t wait for next week. Keep it up!
What A Triumph

Oct 2

Sean from Detroit

Sam is thoughtful in all things he does, and it shows more so than ever in The English Disease. I can’t recommend this podcast enough

Football hooliganism is a dirty phrase in England. Say it and people will think of the 80s – the dark old days. Today, those terraces look very different. But the stories – of organised fights, of pub brawls, of banning orders – haven’t gone away. We see them everywhere on our social media timelines: a steady stream of violence swallowed by smartphones and regurgitated for hungry eyes online. This series digs deeper – beyond the stereotypes and tabloid headlines – to understand this violent subculture and why it’s forced its way back into our society in 2024. Embedded in our national sport, this is a story of class consciousness, rebellion, and adventure turning to embittered violence, tribalism, and greed. It is a story of what happens when society disenfranchises its people, dismantles its social structures, and pits them against one another. This is the untold story of The English Disease. From Stak, this is Season Two of the award-winning Legacy. Extraordinary sporting stories that really matter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.