The psychology of football fandom

To those outside the ambiance of attraction to the beautiful game the behavior of the more extreme and hardcore members of football fandom will be a complete mystery. But the extreme nature of association with a particular team is not confined to hooligans and those on the extremes. A football team appears to inspire so much more loyalty than support for any other sport. Even if a team is playing badly, losing match after match and fighting relegation (and not really fighting very hard) fans stick with their team despite the clear health warnings associated with constant failure. Blood pressure will rise as manager’s failings are discussed, lack of support by owners, individual problems of the various “donkeys” on the field. But stop supporting this team “never!” – Though fans may stop going to away matches to avoid too many depressing weekends. Match after match fans hope that the next one is the turning point – and of course, sometimes it is, albeit briefly and there is euphoria again even if it is ephemeral.
There are several erudite psychologists that analyse the behavior of fans. Why do they have such an attachment to a team? This is about the need to experience success vicariously by identifying with a particular team and their success. A football fans gets a sense of self esteem by identifying with the success of their team. But what about continuing to support them through thick and thin? Identification answers also a social need and a feeling of belonging and feeling a part of the group of people who support your club. It becomes like a family, and this family needs to support the team through thick and thin.