It's not necessarily the alcohol. Football seems to predispose people to aggression and tribalism in a way that, say, rugby league doesn't. I've been to cup finals at (old) Wembley- at least one absolutely cathartic, up for grabs until decided in the last 5 minutes- and afterwards the crowd dispersed without segregation, completely problem free despite many being a few minutes past their bedtime.

I think that the hype is used to whip up the aggression and chauvinism, the easier to relieve supporters of thousands for a season ticket, a Sky Sport subscription, or a crap "replica" shirt.

BTW they're planning big- screen TVs in most major cities for the 2012 Olympics, the better to sell advertising to Olympic sponsors.