THE GANG 

The Russian football hooligans’ movement became popular in the 90s of the last century. At that time fans started to unite into groups for several reasons. On the one hand they were influenced by European «fashion». On the other hand young guys tried to unite in order to defy the aggressive groups of other football hooligans.  At first hooligans appeared in St. Petersburg and Moscow but in some time the wave swept over the whole country.

No matter what you do in your everyday life, when you join the gang you have to accept its laws. And the main laws are solidarity, strength, unity and discipline. Every gang has its strict hierarchy and authorities. Before a person joins a gang, he has to prove himself positively: do sports, attend football matches, be a good fighter, not be afraid of clashes with other hooligans and police, to love his club and be ready to defend the club’s interests.

The number of members in these gangs may differ. The age and skills of the fans also vary.  The most aggressive and courageous fighters become leaders of gangs. This ensures continuity and growth of hooliganism.

I’ve been documenting life of football hooligans for 2 years. 

Pavel Volkov (born 22.05.87). Photographer from Russia, actually lives in Moscow.

Started his career as a freelancer working for various photo agencies in Saint Petersburg and Moscow, covered different social topics about Russia and relevant events in the country. Covered the events on the Maidan, in Crimea and south-east of the Ukraine as well. Interested in projects related to social problems of Russian society. The author of several documentary projects related to youth subcultures: football hooligans, fight clubs, street fighting. His works were shown in the evening screening at the Visa Pour L’image 2014 festival.

 Publications in The New York Times lens blog, International New York Times, Der Spiegel. Washington Post, Harpers Magazine, Rolling Stones, Undici11.