Held once every four years, the World Cup is watched in huge numbers around the globe. In some respects, the international appeal of the soccer showcase is positive, unifying people from all over in a common interest and even fostering goodwill. Sadly, there’s a sinister element too – a stirring of nationalistic sentiment that gets used as an excuse for violence. Some soccer hooligans in Russia – the nation hosting this summer’s 2018 World Cup -- are conjuring that dark side. And, they’re using custom imprinted T-Shirts and hoodies to convey their message of thuggery.

From EAST2WESTNEWS. The shirt reads in English, “Our Courage, Your Trouble.”

As you can see, the apparel features antagonistic imagery and messages written in English. News outlets in the U.K. report the tees and hoodies are part of an intimidation campaign Russian hooligans are directing at foreign supporters, particularly those from England. At least some of the thug wear is reportedly from a brand called Unsporting Conduct. The group markets itself as “okolofutbol” – or near football fans, including hooligans.

From EAST2WESTNEWS.

Before even current political tensions between Russia and the U.K. intensified, Russian hooligans viewed English fans – once purveyors of a nasty brand of hooliganism themselves – as rivals. Indeed, Russian “Ultras,” as they’re called, attacked and largely routed English supporters in Marseille, France during the 2016 Euro Cup. Some hooligan groups in Russia have pledged to repeat the act – and worse – when their nation hosts the World Cup. These T-shirts seem to convey they mean business.

From EAST2WESTNEWS. In a twist some might find ironic given the Russian hooligans’ antipathy for English fans, this shirt is a reference to a violent dystopian novel written by an Englishman -- Anthony Burgess. The novel is “A Clockwork Orange.”

From EAST2WESTNEWS.

From EAST2WESTNEWS.

From EAST2WESTNEWS.