Soul Crew
| Founding location | Cardiff, Wales |
|---|---|
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Territory | Wales |
| Ethnicity | Mostly Welsh |
| Membership (est.) | 600 – 800 Youth 35 – 60 (estimated) |
| Criminal activities | Football hooliganism and violent fighting |
| Allies | Soul Crew Youth Bradford City |
The Cardiff City Soul Crew (Commonly known as the Soul Crew) are a football hooligan firm, associated with the Welsh football club Cardiff City. From its formation in 1983 onwards the Soul Crew were the biggest and most active football firm in the United Kingdom.[1]
Background
![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (October 2010) |
The Soul Crew (previously known as the "Melty Snowmen"), name was adopted by hooligan followers of Cardiff City in the 1982/83 season, and was suggested by a fan by the name of Nicky Parsons, who was later made an outcast due to being a white supremacist / racist. It comes from the small number of aspirant hooligans that had an enthusiasm for soul music. It was alleged that Don Cornelius, former host of the TV show Soul Train gave his blessings for the group to be known as The Soul Crew.[2] They were featured in the 2002 documentary series, Hooligans on BBC.[3][4]
Eleven suspected members of the Soul Crew were detained before the start of an FA Cup replay against Reading at Ninian Park in February 1998. Riot police were drafted in at the end of the game to prevent further outbreaks of violence.[5]
References
- ^ "Cardiff and the hooligan element". BBC News. 2003-05-17. Retrieved 2007-05-05.
- ^ "Soccer fans angry at hooliganism film". BBC News. 2002-10-08. Retrieved 2008-01-13.
- ^ "Cardiff and the hooligan element". BBC News. 2002-05-17. Retrieved 2007-04-06.
- ^ "Hooligans troublespots: Cardiff City". BBC News. Retrieved 2008-03-07.
- ^ "Violence mars weekend sport". BBC News. 1998-03-29.