New thriller series Hooligans explores Israeli football culture

The eight-part thriller series "Hooligans," an Israeli-German-French co-production, is set to premiere on the ARD Mediathek starting August 14. Written and directed by Lee Gilat, the series explores the radicalized football fan scene in Jerusalem and its connections to politics and organized crime.

The story follows Meni Azulai, a 20-year-old military deserter living in Jerusalem, who becomes entangled with a powerful hooligan leader after a violent confrontation at a football match. As he is pressured by police to act as an informant, the narrative delves into the complexities of fan fanaticism.

The series draws inspiration from the real-life atmosphere surrounding Beitar Jerusalem and its notorious fan group, La Familia, which is known for its right-wing nationalist views and anti-Arab sentiment.