Newcastle Gremlins

Lore & Background

In March 2002, the Gremlins fought with hooligans from Sunderland's Seaburn Casuals in a pre-arranged clash near the North Shields Ferry terminal. This was described as 'some of the worst football related fighting ever witnessed in the United Kingdom'. Police gained evidence by examining mobile phone messages sent between gang members on the day, leading to 28 others being jailed for various terms.

On 2 April 2003, about 95 fans were arrested when around 200 fans of Sunderland and Newcastle clashed in Sunderland city centre before an England UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying match against Turkey. The fans then attacked police, pelting them with missiles including bottles, cans and wheel trims. Some sources attributed these clashes to a resurgence in the conflict between the Gremlins and Seaburn Casuals.

Reader's Guide

The Newcastle Gremlins represent a notable example of organized football hooliganism in England during the early 2000s. Their pre-arranged fight with the Seaburn Casuals in March 2002 was singled out by authorities as exceptionally violent, and the subsequent police investigation—using mobile phone records—led to significant jail sentences. The group's involvement in the April 2003 Sunderland city-center riot, which also involved attacks on police, further cemented their reputation. The firm's activities highlight the persistence of hooligan culture despite increased policing and legal consequences.

Did You Know?

• Police used mobile phone messages exchanged on the day of the March 2002 fight as evidence to jail 28 people.
• On 2 April 2003, about 95 fans were arrested after a clash between Sunderland and Newcastle fans in Sunderland city centre.
• During the April 2003 riot, fans attacked police with missiles including bottles, cans and wheel trims.