Yeah, I didn't clock the different name to be honest until it was pointed out. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Shrovetide_Football That's the one I went to. Like I say, it's not for the faint-hearted. But that other one looks like a similar thing but on crystal meth.
Once went to Ashbourne for their "game" back in the mid-80s, but only because the pubs were allowed to open all day... I saw the ball thrown up at the kick off then just a mob of weirdos with steam rising off them (there was snow on the ground). Strange concept.
The game itself has few rules, two being that play is restricted to Long Street and participants are not allowed to kill anyone. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atherstone_Ball_Game?wprov=sfla1
Sounds like The Purge. The scenes in this video really do need stopping. And if that’s tradition, it’s about time the tradition needs stopping too.
I love how little villages and towns have traditions & rituals, especially dating that far back. But that in the video is atrocious, certainly in this day & age.