What is the Red Army?

The Red Army is a well-known hooligan group that supports Manchester United.

When did the Red Army gain notoriety?

They gained notoriety during the 1974-1975 campaign when Manchester United was playing in the English second level.

What activities was the Red Army involved in?

The group engaged in hooliganism, jailbreaks, robberies, and drug smuggling.

What are some of the sub-firms within the Red Army?

Sub-firms include the Young Munich, Inter City Jibbers (ICJ), M58 Firm, and Muston Rats.

Who were some authors that documented the Red Army's activities?

Tony O'Neal, a former member and founder, wrote 'Red Army General' and 'The Men in Black'. Paul Gratus also ranked them in his book '21 Toughest Hooligan British Firms Ever'.

The Surprisingly Dark History Of Manchester United's Red Army

00:11:12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkr6E_7dLgU

Summary

TLDRThe video provides a detailed look at the history of Manchester United's infamous hooligan group, the Red Army. They gained notoriety during the 1974-1975 season and were involved in various acts of violence, including the famous Battle of West Ham South Bank. The group was known for causing chaos across the nation, often outnumbering home crowds. Sub-firms of the Red Army include the Young Munich and Inter City Jibbers. Despite a decline in hooliganism over the years, the ICJ remains active. The Red Army's legacy persists, with former members documenting its history in books, and its activities mentioned in films and documentaries.

Takeaways

⚽ Manchester United's Red Army gained notoriety in the 1970s.
📚 Books by Tony O'Neal document Red Army's history.
🎥 Films and documentaries feature the Red Army.
🚨 ICJ remains an active sub-group.
✈️ The group often travelled to away games, causing havoc.
🪢 The Red Army was involved in jailbreaks and robberies.
⚔️ They were involved in infamous battles, like West Ham's South Bank.
🔴 The Red Army eventually became a term for all Manchester United fans.
📰 Colin Blay covered their various offenses in 'Undesirables'.
🏴 Identified by black attire, earning the label 'Men in Black'.

Timeline

00:00:00 - 00:05:00
The video discusses the history of Manchester United's notorious group of supporters known as the Red Army, infamous for their hooligan activities in the 1970s and 1980s. The Red Army was known for causing chaos during matches, often outnumbering home crowds. Sub-groups like the ICJ and the Men in Black emerged, with activities extending beyond hooliganism to organized crime. The group's notoriety was depicted in various documentaries and films, highlighting their clashes with rival fans, notably with West Ham United's ICF. Books by former members, such as Tony O'Neal, detail the extent and nature of the Red Army's operations. Despite a decline in hooliganism, the ICJ remains active.
00:05:00 - 00:11:12
The video provides a chronological list of notable violent events involving the Red Army, beginning with a notorious 1967 match against West Ham. Significant clashes included interactions with Liverpool, Spurs, Rangers, and Everton fans, among others. Noteworthy incidents include a violent altercation aboard a ferry bound for the Netherlands in 1986, and ongoing conflicts with rivals such as the Rangers' ICF and Everton. The video includes depictions of the extensive violence and chaos instigated by the Red Army, cementing their controversial legacy in football hooliganism. Each highlighted event serves as a testament to the pervasive culture of football-related violence during the era.

Mind Map

Video Q&A

What is the Red Army?
The Red Army is a well-known hooligan group that supports Manchester United.
When did the Red Army gain notoriety?
They gained notoriety during the 1974-1975 campaign when Manchester United was playing in the English second level.
What activities was the Red Army involved in?
The group engaged in hooliganism, jailbreaks, robberies, and drug smuggling.
What are some of the sub-firms within the Red Army?
Sub-firms include the Young Munich, Inter City Jibbers (ICJ), M58 Firm, and Muston Rats.
Who were some authors that documented the Red Army's activities?
Tony O'Neal, a former member and founder, wrote 'Red Army General' and 'The Men in Black'. Paul Gratus also ranked them in his book '21 Toughest Hooligan British Firms Ever'.