Certainly in some countries, football is more popular than the predominant religion practiced within its borders. There are certainly some startling parallels that can be drawn between the football fan and the devout worshipper. Let us examine some of these parallels now.
There is a widespread tradition of ritual within football, including post-match, match and pre-match rituals. Additionally there are ritualised responses that are triggered by on-pitch events. We see group chanting, singing and dancing very frequently.
Symbolism is apparent everywhere, from the use of specific colours to denote team, to the logos worn upon a football players shirt, these symbols take on an almost sacred meaning to many football fans, and wearing your teams colours marks you as belonging to a specific “cult” of football.
We witness idol worshiping, in the form of raising football heroes; we also see worshiping of relics such as shirts or numbers associated with specific players. This worship will sometimes display aspects that are similar to taking a religious pilgrimage, as fans travel, often in large groups, to see their team play
Fans often experience a deep emotional reaction to the game; this can be in the form of fun, or at its worst extreme, grievous violence.
Of course, football offers no promise of transcendence or spiritual shelter; it does however share many of the basic characteristics in its fans as a true religion will find in its worshippers.
There is a widespread tradition of ritual within football, including post-match, match and pre-match rituals. Additionally there are ritualised responses that are triggered by on-pitch events. We see group chanting, singing and dancing very frequently.
Symbolism is apparent everywhere, from the use of specific colours to denote team, to the logos worn upon a football players shirt, these symbols take on an almost sacred meaning to many football fans, and wearing your teams colours marks you as belonging to a specific “cult” of football.
We witness idol worshiping, in the form of raising football heroes; we also see worshiping of relics such as shirts or numbers associated with specific players. This worship will sometimes display aspects that are similar to taking a religious pilgrimage, as fans travel, often in large groups, to see their team play
Fans often experience a deep emotional reaction to the game; this can be in the form of fun, or at its worst extreme, grievous violence.
Of course, football offers no promise of transcendence or spiritual shelter; it does however share many of the basic characteristics in its fans as a true religion will find in its worshippers.