Hooligan figurines 'just harmless fun'

nlnews@archant.co.uk
30 August 2006

Christopher Evans

A PAIR of entrepreneurs have been forced to defend their latest creation - mini models of football hooligans - after football bosses criticised the models.

Dirk Van Dijk, of Roman Road, Muswell Hill, and Christopher Evans and John Duckett - who both live in Dunloe Road, Tottenham, have seen their company Blighty Creations come under fire following the release of their line Little Hooliganz.

John Duckett

The four-inch tall plastic figurines, which cost £4.99, come in a range of club colours.

The main figurine for the Arsenal Aardvark Avengers is Terrible Henry, and Eager Edward of the Tottenham Tiger Tasters carries a likeness to Spurs' midfielder Edgar Davids.

The FA Premier League and clubs have threatened legal action after youngsters were encouraged to collect 'Little Hooliganz' characters to make up an entire "firm" of hooligans.

But their creators claim that the models "satirise" football hoologanism rather that glamorise it and that any resemblance to players is "purely coincidental".

Mr Van Dijk, 29, said: "We don't think we're doing anything wrong.

"The problem of hooliganism has been on the decline in the UK and the recent World Cup in Germany was largely trouble-free.

"We are saying that hooliganism is a thing of the past and we are satirising hooligans. It is harmless fun."

The firm's website states that the figurines are suitable for anyone aged three and over and owners are encourage to send in pictures of Little Hooliganz in obscure places. But the reaction to the models has been a stern one among the FA Premier League.

A spokesman said: "Anything that celebrates or trivialises hooliganism in any form is deplorable.

"The Premier League and our clubs have worked tirelessly to eradicate violence from the game and with the cooperation and vigilance of true football fans we largely have.

"If there is any infringement of our or the clubs' intellectual property then our lawyers will deal with the manufacturers of these figures accordingly."

Malcolm Clarke, chairman of the Football Supporters' Federation, also slammed the company for "glamorising" violence. He said: "We would hope that parents and genuine football fans would have nothing to do with this.

"Anything that cashes in on hooligans and hooligan firms is glamorising violence.

"If the Premiership clubs decide to take legal action against the firm behind these figures, then good luck to the clubs.