The voice of law and order echoes across 21,000-seat Turf Moor stadium. Unaided by any sort of loudspeaker or microphone, a constable barks instructions to a battalion of cops — at least 100 strong, dressed in reflective yellow — about crowd control.

Around him, sprinklers spritz the immaculate grass. It’s all rather calm, even serene, but make no mistake: The police battalion is here for a reason. Fans recently stormed the field after a big win. Rumors suggest they will again.

Now the players begin to arrive for the day’s contest, the final game of the campaign in the second-tier English Championship League. Professional British soccer is broken down into four tiers, with every team trying to claw toward the top level: The English Premier League — the most valuable, most competitive ass

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