Sardinia Summary and Analysis

Buford reports that, by 1990, Sammy has been institutionalized and is on high levels of medication; Roy has been arrested for drugs, and Robert has moved to the United States and fallen in love. In May of 1990, however, Buford sees all these men when Manchester United plays in the FA Cup final. However, Buford notices that being a hoodlum is no longer popular, that it is fading into history. However, he does notice the press expecting trouble during the match between England and the Dutch on the island of Sardinia. The British sports minister persuades the island vendors, the buses, and all flights not to serve alcohol on game days. Buford follows the stories in the paper as more police arrive on the island and more journalists report on the supporters. Buford, now convinced there will be trouble, flies to the island...