The Inter City Firm’s reputation has been immortalised by the films and books that have been devoted to the subject. Films such as Alan Clarke’s “The Firm”, which follows the leader of the ICF in a brutal look at football violence and urban frustration, and “Rise Of The Footsoldier”, which follows the life of Carlton Leach and his rise up the criminal underworld beginning with West Ham’s hooligan element.
Cass Pennant is the most well known figure to evolve from West Ham’s firm, writing many books and being the subject of his own movie in the film “Cass”. Cass Pennant’s story is remarkable given the level of racism that was prevalent during the 1970’s and 80’s in Britain. Cass managed to rise to the top and become one of the generals of the ICF despite being black. His story involves prison for football hooliganism as well as being shot 3 times after building up one of the biggest door firms in the roughest parts of the London nightclub scene. His story is well worth a read and his autobiography can be found on Amazon here.
The Inter City Firm’s biggest rivals have traditionally been other London firms such as Chelsea’s Headhunters, Millwall’s Bushwackers and Spurs’ Yid Army. Although firms like Manchester United’s Red Army, who had the largest numbers in the height of Britain’s hooligan problem always used to have big tear-ups. Below is a video of police footage during a patrol before a match between Millwall and West Ham. The Inter City Firm turned out in massive numbers for the match in Millwall and attacked a pub that Millwall fans were drinking in. Large scale disorder broke out as the police lost control of the situation and described the scene as “West Ham taking liberties at Millwall, they come to Millwall’s ground, they smash there pubs up and to them it’s a victory”.
West Ham At Millwall ( ICF ):
In 1985 West Ham played Manchester United at Old Trafford and the ICF were out in force for the trip to the North West of England. The video below shows narrated footage of the events leading up to the game and how the hooligans give the old bill the slip. The ICF’s organisation skills come into play to give the police and opposition the act of surprise to catch them out
London Riot West Ham:
“Hooliganism” is a dirty word, but it’s a big part of the sport’s past. Understanding what it was (is) is important, and hopefully it can be eradicated for good.
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