Soccer — or football as it is called throughout most of the world — was first played in Britain between 700 AD and 800 AD. Unlike the relatively peaceful state of the game today, soccer was a very violent sport at its early age. Injuries and even deaths occurred during this time. It was a truly brutal game. Soccer was widely popular among commoners during this era but those of higher class and in positions of power were not so keen on it. On April 13, 1314, King Edward II banned the sport in England, but despite the threat of punishment and imprisonment, most kept playing it.

Source: Reminisce Sports