Hooligans 2. The Darkest Night

1985 saw some of the biggest and bloodiest hooligan riots in British football history. In March, Luton hosted Millwall in an FA Cup tie. Millwall’s notorious mobs rioted before, during and after the game. The Kenilworth Road ground was ripped to pieces, and the town was trashed. Police officer Andy Clarke was left fearing for his life as pieces of concrete and plastic seats were used as missiles.

Just two months later, Leeds and Birmingham’s mobs clashed at St Andrews. Hundreds were injured, and a 15-year-old football fan later lost his life.

But then came one of the darkest nights in football history. On 29 May 1985, 39 people were killed at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels during the European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus. The tragedy led to English clubs being banned from European football for five years.

Presenter: Tony Bellew

Series Producer: Emma Forde

Producer: Patrick Kiteley

Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards

Development Producer: Holly Clemens

Production Co-ordinator: Ellie Dover

Assistant Commissioner: Lorraine Okuefuna & Sarah Green

Commissioning Editor: Louise Kattenhorn

Editor and Executive Producer: Carl Johnston