Russian football hooligans movement became popular in the 90's of the last century.
Ordinary fans, some of them under the influence of European "fashion", another because of pressure of fans from another fans, started to unite into groups. The main thing about those gangs was aggression towards fans of the rival teams.
First hooligans appeared in St. Petersburg and Moscow. In some time that wave swept over the whole country.
Nowadays hooligan gangs can be found in any city which has it's own football team. The bigger the city - the bigger the number of gangs. Moscow and St. Petersburg football teams have from 20 to 50 gangs. All of them have different number of members and the level of skills. Regional centers have from 10 to 20 gangs..
Every gang has hierarchy and authorities. The strength of a "team" is achieved by unity of members, compliance with internal corporate rules and discipline. Before a person joins a gang, he's to prove himself positively: to do sports, attend football matches, be good at fights, not to be afraid to fight with other hooligans and police, to love his club and be ready to defend club's interests.
Mass fights often take place on the way to stadiums. Fights with police happend right on stadiums.
The most agressive and courageous fighters become leaders of gangs. This ensures continuity and growth of hooliganism. And makes this issue one of the most problematic for Russian society.
