Football Banned? Why, and When in the UK?
Chris Huel
2025-05-14 19:21:35
Count answers: 5
It has been quite some time since the game was illegal in this country. In fact, the game was only illegal before the Football Association laid down the current laws in the 19th century, and then it was only outlawed for limited periods in specific parts of the country.
It was first banned way back in April 1314 by Edward II when the game consisted of vast mobs attempting to kick, carry or throw the ball between opposing villages. During the Hundred Years' War between England and France, Edward III, Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V all thought the game stopped their subjects practising archery and issued laws to suppress it. Scottish kings didn't look upon the game much more favourably and in 1424 James I decreed that "na man play at the Fute-ball".
Attitudes became more relaxed during the Elizabethan period, although the game was banned in Manchester in the early 17th century because of shanked passes breaking windows. Despite playing in his youth, the game's "frivolity" didn't fit into Oliver Cromwell's puritanical world view and the fact that the game was played on Sundays was particularly frowned upon.
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