Medieval British 'mob football' was a violent, lawless ritual repeatedly banned by royal decrees.

In medieval England, football was far from a disciplined sport. Known as 'mob football' or 'folk football,' it was played between rival villages or parishes during festive holidays like Shrovetide. With virtually no rules, unlimited players, and a pitch that stretched for miles across fields and streets, these matches were notoriously destructive. The primary objective was to force a pig's bladder into a designated area, often resulting in severe injuries, property damage, and occasional fatalities. The chaos was so disruptive to public order and military training (such as archery practice) that it was officially banned by at least 30 royal and municipal decrees between 1314 and 1667, starting with King Edward II.