Ahead of Monday’s finals in the UEFA European Championship and the Copa América between Spain and England and Argentina and Colombia, a Monash University expert is available to comment on the factors fuelling inter-fan rivalry and how to channel such rivalries as a force for good, and a catalyst for change.
PhD Candidate Faisal Mahnashi, Department of Marketing, Monash Business School
Contact details: +61 452 020 565 or faisal.mahnashi@monash.edu
The following can be attributable to PhD Candidate Faisal Mahnashi:
“The 2024 UEFA European Championship and the Copa América present a unique opportunity to observe inter-fan rivalries at their peak, given these tournaments’ significant cultural and emotional impact on fans across Europe and the Americas.
“These tournaments vividly highlight the bright and dark sides of inter-fan rivalry, where the euphoria of shared celebrations contrasts with the challenges of intense clashes and discrimination. My research emphasises the importance of promoting positive fan interactions and addressing the negative aspects of rivalry to ensure a safer, more inclusive, and enjoyable experience for all participants and spectators.
“Football rivalries are deeply rooted in history and culture, shaping the social dynamics among fans. These rivalries transcend the game.
“However, the impact of football rivalries is not solely positive. While they build unity and solidarity among fans, they also foster hostility and aggression.
“During the recent Euro Cup tournament, violent clashes erupted between Dutch and English fans in Dortmund before the 2024 semi-final, resulting in five injuries; the physical confrontations and attempts to steal flags illustrate how symbolic provocations can escalate into violence.
“In the US, at the Copa América, we have seen the violence of Colombian fans spill over into the playing arena, with physical conflict between Colombian fans and Uruguayan players and officials.
“We have also seen fines issued for Albania and Serbia over Euro 2024 incidents; the fines imposed for fan misconduct reflect the ongoing challenges of maintaining order during major tournaments. The Serbian team also threatened to withdraw from Euro 2024 due to racist chants from Albanian and Croatian fans during their match.
“We also saw positive celebrations throughout the European tournament, notably between Scottish and German fans, who took over Munich before the Euro Cup kickoff. This event highlighted the positive and celebratory spirit of the tournament, fostering camaraderie and cultural exchange among fans.
“Ultimately, football rivalries are a double-edged sword, reinforcing identity and building social bonds, while also causing conflict, stress, violence and social divisions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for managing the positive and negative outcomes of inter-fan rivalry.
“By understanding inter-fan rivalries, we can develop strategies to enhance the fan experience, raise awareness among supporters, foster healthier sports cultures, and potentially influence legislation to create a more respectful and enjoyable sports environment that embraces the positive aspects of fandom.
“Identifying these factors has the potential to transform the way we understand and manage inter-fan rivalries, with significant implications for social cohesion, public safety and mental health. By fostering positive interactions and addressing the negative impacts of rivalry, we can contribute to a more inclusive and enjoyable sports culture for all.”
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