Liverpool and Everton hooligans once united to take on a notorious English firm.

Hooligans from Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton once united against a notorious English firm in a rare moment of cooperation.

Although football hooliganism is most closely linked with the 1980s, outbreaks of violence still occasionally occur near British stadiums. The “casuals” movement – known for its mix of designer fashion and football violence – first emerged in northwest England, particularly around Liverpool and Manchester, during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Since the 1990s, tougher security and surveillance measures have significantly reduced hooligan activity, but incidents still happen. One such event took place on February 19, 2005, when Wayne Rooney returned to Goodison Park with Manchester United and helped secure a 2-0 FA Cup victory over Everton.

The match was marred by post-game violence. Following the 5:30 pm kickoff, clashes erupted that resulted in 33 arrests and five injured police officers. Prior to the game, United supporters had already been involved in altercations with Leeds fans at Manchester’s Piccadilly Station before continuing their journey to Liverpool.

After the match, United fans being escorted from north Liverpool were attacked with bottles, bricks, and other objects thrown by Everton supporters. Chief Inspector Chris Armitt reported that about 300 rival fans were involved in the violence. Four police officers were hurt, and one required hospital treatment for a broken hand and stitches.

According to the Liverpool Echo, some Liverpool fans also joined Everton supporters against Manchester United after hearing offensive chants about their city.

During an episode of The Real Football Factories hosted by Danny Dyer, former Everton hooligan Andy Nicholls recalled: “Thirty of [United’s] top lads split off and called it on. Everton had about 200 and took them on.”

However, Eddie “Beef,” a former member of United’s “Red Army” firm, offered another perspective, claiming: “United stood their ground but were outnumbered — not beaten up. There were fewer of us, and we got ambushed by around 200. Everton thought they’d done us, but they never did — we’re hard as nails.”

Nicholls dismissed Eddie’s account as nonsense. Notably, Nicholls had previously received a two-year ban in 2003 prohibiting him from attending football grounds across England and Wales.