Agree, I’ve never understood it. I also watch a fair bit of rugby at Exeter Chiefs. Loads of ale on sale inside the ground but never anything other than banter. I find the menacing atmosphere at football grounds pathetic. Don’t know what the answer is, just find the whole thing somewhat sad.
I have family that live in Plymouth and when they come to family events in Sheffield they always comment that this city is obsessed with football and there's constant arguments about United and Wednesday winding each other up. When I go to Plymouth they like their football but it's not excessive or so important.
Often wondered whether living in a 2 club city effects fan mentality and makes more tribal.
Regards my experience I've constantly received Blades- Owls banter from school kids and work colleagues. So I've been effected by and weened on tribalism
Football is easily the most passionate sport in the world, it's extremely tribal.
There's an edginess, extreme emotion, potential heartbreak and potentially fantastic extreme joy.
This fan culture of men's football is it's strength but it sails close to the edge and sometimes boils over towards being unacceptable.
Pompey mentions a good point that it's not just poor fan behaviour, but players and even managers constantly disrespecting the referees (when they lose).
However I've often thought fan behaviour at football matches is more of a release.
Some people have internal frustrations, anger and regrets.
When they go to matches they shout abuse ay anyone (usually the ref) and it releases the pressure that has built up.
On first inspection the atmosphere the womens football matches is more in line with a Harry Styles pop concert.
It's just not football and the womens football culture reminds me of the old style US Soccer fan culture.
When a goal is scored, fans put up placards with the words "GOAL". In some ways I hate the woke, respectful watered down family culture at matches.
it's so far away from my experience in the 80's. However it does make you wonder if the mens game can learn something from the womens game.
Will be interesting to see how both mens and women's game evolves.