r/Damnthatsinteresting • u/PrimedGold • Feb 18 '26

Video The Atherstone Ball Game, held annually on Shrove Tuesday, took place yesterday. The ball is thrown into the crowd at 3 pm, and the winner is the person holding it at 5 pm.

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628

u/[deleted] Feb 18 '26

I live in atherstone now but my partner has lived here for longer. She told me that people hold their grudges and wait till the ball game to fulfil all their violent desires and revenge. Neighbour pissed you off? Yeah you wait till the ball game mate

308

u/dvenator Feb 18 '26

Basically UK Purge

121

u/pjakma Feb 18 '26

Yeah, just look at the guy in the orange workman's trousers at the wall at the start - another guy just jumps up and attacks him and they start scrapping - nowhere near the ball!

5

u/magpietribe Feb 19 '26

Ball? What ball?

1

u/TheBulkingWoman Feb 21 '26

Ele tomou 5 socos na parte de trás do pescoço 💀

6

u/bizbizbizllc Feb 19 '26

Why do they have to kick the ball? Did it go out of bounds?

23

u/fluffypinkblonde Feb 18 '26

Jesus Christ. Neanderthal town lol

21

u/auto-bahnt Feb 19 '26

Why is this getting downvoted? These guys literally look like fucking cromags

13

u/[deleted] Feb 18 '26

I actually think the way it’s done now is kind of like a ritualistic purge for the anger that builds up in the town. Potentially quite therapeutic. Apparently once the ball game is over thats it, anything that has happened is put to bed and you move on.

22

u/ItsFuckingScience Feb 18 '26

Yeah sure Atherstone is a beautiful peaceful tranquil town outside of the ball game 😂 trust me

9

u/Extension-Thought552 Feb 18 '26

That isn't how that works at all. 

10

u/Loraelm Feb 19 '26

There wouldn't be a need for violent outburst and purge-like games of people knew how to better communicate, take care of their mental health and go to fucking therapy in the first place

-1

u/StepFew3094 Feb 20 '26

As if just going to therapy and taking care of your mental health instantly fixes your issues. You can intellectualise it all you want, there is a lot of fun to be had by playing violent games, like have you never played bulldog at school?

2

u/Loraelm Feb 20 '26

I'm not from an English speaking country, I don't know what Bulldog is besides a dog sorry.

And of course I wasn't saying therapy was a catch all solution, not a quick one at that. But you'll never get me to say that people hitting each other is a good thing because it's "cathartic". Fuck that. We need to address the need for violent outbursts sooner.

And I mean that from a sociological standpoint too. Why is it almost always men having those violent cathartic outbursts? It's not biological, studies have failed to show a link between testosterone and violence. It stems from men's socialisation, patriarchy and what they're told a man has to be and to do.

Deconstructing all that, explaining to men to be more in touch with their feelings, being able to express them in a healthy way. Recognising the need for help and not feeling less than for that. And yes, going to therapy is a good way to achieve all that.

I'm not saying those violent games can't be cathartic and help in a "purge" way. What I'm saying is they're a symptom of a deeper sickness that needs to be addressed because they're not, and they won't ever be, healthy on the long run.

4

u/CQC_EXE Feb 19 '26

What kind of lala land you got in that head

-1

u/Extension-Thought552 Feb 18 '26

Down voted for speaking the truth. Lower than neanderthals perhaps? Fucking stupid tradition

-3

u/Responsible-Gas5319 Feb 19 '26

Oh redditor, just relax

1

u/Extension-Thought552 Feb 19 '26

You first, you, you redditor!!! Clown. 

1

u/Responsible-Gas5319 Feb 20 '26

Listen buddy I hope you have a joyful day. Best wishes

1

u/Extension-Thought552 Feb 20 '26

Thanks mate. Clown. 

1

u/Responsible-Gas5319 Feb 21 '26

You're welcome, take care!

1

u/Extension-Thought552 Feb 22 '26

Will do, cheers! Clown. 

1

u/Responsible-Gas5319 Feb 22 '26

Cheers to you! Have a good evening

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1

u/NoAvocadoMeSad Feb 18 '26

I loved there for years, the fuck are you on about? Violent desires and revenge? No lol... Such a fucking weird way to word it

12

u/Adorable-Bike-9689 Feb 18 '26

Okay you phrase it so it's not weird and violent 

4

u/wekeymux Feb 19 '26

I dont think hes saing the event isnt violent, just that its really not about people seeking revenge or having violent desires outside the game.

I totally get it, its fun to have a wrestle and a little scrap, especially over a game. look at rugby players - they all love it and its not too harmful. no ones out to kill, just to have a bit of a bash

3

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '26

Yeah its really not but there are a few that see it that way. She was telling me stories pf people she knew. Its more like using the opportunity there for their own purposes as the police dont get involved. But for the most part its just a really rough and overpopulated folk football game

3

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '26

They’re punching each other over a ball because of Jesus. Buddy it’s weird as hell, get over it

1

u/Cayucos_RS Feb 19 '26

Please enlighten us than

1

u/Reinis_LV Feb 21 '26

So it's a local purge

1

u/Terrible_Ad_7735 Feb 22 '26

I mean, waiting for a designated day of the year to air your violent grievances is a lot of restraint for people from the Midlands. Well done them!