Before the World Cup, many were worried that blood would be shed on the streets of Russia by football hooligans.

That wasn’t an unfounded fear, but it looks like Putin had a word with the hooligans (many of Russia’s hooligans are state-sponsored), because things have been pretty quiet.

Almost like Vlad is trying to present a good image of Russia on the global stage, to gloss over all the killing of journalists and other basic human rights violations.

Hooliganism isn’t limited to Russia, of course, and this documentary offers a fascinating look behind the scenes at what makes them tick.

The write-up from the RT (formerly Russia Today) doccie:

They’re known as football hooligans. They relish in the thrill of battle and prepare for it. In some places, there are rudimentary rules for fights, in other ‘old school’ countries there are none.

The members of these violent gangs fancy themselves comrades in arms defending the honour of their city’s football club. But most people consider them nothing but a bunch of beasts. Videos and photos of hordes of football hooligans on the rampage have been front and centre in the press in recent years. However, little has emerged about who these people are, or why they behave the way they do.

In this behind the scenes look into the world of hooliganism, you’ll meet some of these violent individuals and find out what makes them tick. In the end, it would seem, love of the fight trumps love of the game.

This doccie was posted back in April, but once the dust settles on the World Cup, the hooligans will be back on their bullshit:

Boys will be boys, and sad, lonely, angry men are no exception.

[source:youtube]