We asked AI to name five toughest hooligan firms in UK history – and Millwall are not No.1

2 hours ago 21

ChatGPT surprisingly didn't place Millwall at the top spot when asked to rank the most formidable football firms in UK history.

The peak of football hooliganism was during the 1970s and 80s, a time when violence before, during and after matches was almost guaranteed.

During this era, fanbases took pride in having the toughest firm, with notorious groups like Millwall's Bushwhackers instilling fear into the hearts of rival supporters wherever they went. However, according to the latest AI software, they weren't deemed the toughest.

That dubious honour, rather awkwardly, was bestowed upon their arch-rivals, West Ham, and their Inter City Firm (ICF). The Bushwhackers had to settle for second place, while Chelsea's Headhunters claimed third.

Rounding off the top five were Leeds United's Service Crew and Manchester United's Red Army, securing fourth and fifth places respectively, reports the Daily Star.

In justifying its rankings, ChatGPT explained: "The ICF was known for its confrontational and aggressive behaviour, both inside and outside football stadiums.

"They were involved in various clashes and altercations with rival hooligan firms from different clubs. The name 'Inter City Firm' itself suggests the group's willingness to travel long distances to engage in confrontations with rival fans."

The term 'Bushwhacker' is a nod to the historical use of the word to describe irregular soldiers or guerrilla fighters who ambushed opponents from concealed positions.

Millwall fans and riot police

Millwall fans were infamous and feared

In the realm of football hooliganism, members of Millwall's Bushwhackers were known for adopting similar tactics when clashing with rival firms.

A former Manchester City hooligan named Micky, who was part of the club's firm 'the Guvnors', confessed that their most brutal encounters were with the Bushwhackers.

"[Millwall] were the best firm in London," he penned in his book 'Guvnors', which details his life as a City hooligan. "I crossed swords with them in two of the most violent encounters the Guvnors ever had. The thing about Millwall, they don't do a lot of dancing up and down. They walk right up to you and whack you.

"When it comes to fear, there are few things to match than being Bushwhacked in a dark subway by several hundred Millwall boys. It makes you wonder why you ever became a football hooligan.

"There were some good firms in [Division Two] and we all wanted to be top dog. So we planned a big ambush [against the Bushwhackers]," he continued, touching on an altercation with the rival firm.

"We waited until they were about 15 yards away and let fly. The sky filled with missiles… the police baton-charges us but we ran straight through them. Millwall are made of stern stuff, however. They stopped and came back at us.

"Lads were laying into each other right across the road. The police got together, sirens blaring and horse charging and finally chased us off through the estate."

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