The rise of hooliganism has to be set against the phenomenally successful growth of professional soccer in China. In the seventh season, which began in March, there are 26 teams competing in two leagues before an average of 25,000 fans at each match. But that very success makes the potential damage from rising hooliganism all the greater. Besides more free time and money, explanations for hooliganism vary, but one oft-cited factor is a local version of nationalism. Since 1994, he says, his 3,000-member group has clashed repeatedly with fans from neighbouring Chongqing.
Observers note that clashes often result from fans' anger at poor calls by referees.
It can lead to bloody clashes, or just throwing garbage and stones at other fans. The behaviour of police at matches often makes the problem worse. Supporters of visiting sides often complain that police appear to ignore violence from home-town fans, and even egg it on. Liu says his fans have been attacked regularly with impunity in Jinan, capital of Shandong province. After the Wuhan clash, the Henan fan club used its Web site to accuse the Wuhan police of being in cahoots with the Wuhan supporters.