Football fans all over the world have become so huge in their numbers that supporting football clubs have become a culture on its own. Fans of football teams have contributed to the cultural aspects of the game that it has become a worldwide phenomenon.
In a lot of countries around the world, football has become a part of their national culture, and is an aspect of their everyday lives. A lot of loyal football fans in many different parts of the world actually have their lives revolve around the sport. There are even newspapers and magazines dedicated to football that aim their sales towards these die-hard supporters. And why shouldn’t football fans become this crazy about the game? Football players are role models and superstars in the worldwide stage, and have been big role models and influences to children who practice the game and aspire to achieve the level of wealth and fame that they have worked hard for themselves. Most of the football fans and fanatics have started this way.
In the world of football fans, some of the most anticipated matches are called derby matches. Derby matches are ball games between two neighboring rival teams. The result, a fiercely competitive ball game, both on the field and in the stands. Hooliganism is common here, as portrayed in the movie about extreme football fans entitled “Green Street Hooligans”. There is also a discreet feel of political and sectarian tension during derby matches. Sometimes, important matches between two big football clubs from the same country are called derby matches too.
One of the most sacred rituals of football fans during games are football chants. Generated by fans during tight moments of the match, the chants encourage and give morale to their favored team while distracting or insulting the opposition. There are some clubs for which specific anthems have been made, sang by their crowds of fans. There are also certain chants directed aimly against certain players on the field, which have fans chanting a lot more aggressively. Some crazy fans have even gone overboard with their chanting, which can get racial in nature. Chants like these are not tolerated and leads to having spectators and fans be banned from entering the football stadiums.
Football fans are regarded by some as the craziest and most unpredictable lot of spectators in sports. Throughout the sport’s professional history, numerous unwanted events like riots and stampedes have occurred, making the game just a little bit more dangerous to some.