Soccer & Alcohol: Why Is It Such A Problem Among Fans?

The relationship of alcohol and soccer has been much more prominent in recent years and in that you can probably include drugs too, with cocaine being the blight of soccer, certainly in the UK.

Numerous reports have highlighted the game’s cocaine problem of late, and combined with alcohol it’s a real cocktail for problematic atmospheres and anti-social behaviour.

But why does soccer have such a problem? Particularly when you compare it to other sports such as football, baseball and hockey?

The Social Aspect of Drinking and Soccer

One of the big reasons soccer and drinking alcohol are so intrinsically related is the social aspect of the game. In Europe, watching the match doesn’t just involve going to the stadium, it involves visiting the pub before the game and meeting friends for a few beers. Equally, meeting in bars to watch the match is such a big part of consuming soccer.

Alcohol has long been viewed as a social lubricant and its part of a ritual that’s ingrained across multiple generations. What’s more, stadiums are cashing in on this in the ground too, with additional bars and fan parks, essentially encouraging people to drink prior to a game.

Of course, you’ve then got alcohol’s role in the celebrating or commiserating after a game too, the latter of which can be hugely problematic when it comes to the likes of domestic abuse and violence outside stadiums.

Advertising and Sponsorships

Part of the problem, football and its clubs actually need to take a look at themselves a little too. The relationship of alcohol and soccer has only been strengthened by the large volume of sponsorships between leagues and clubs.

You’ll see alcohol sponsoring teams in some cases or being official beer partners and so forth. This is changing slightly, with many leagues around the world now banning sponsorship boards around the ground and on shirts, but it’s going to take much more than that to break the bond between fan and booze.

The Impact on Fan Behavior

While the social and marketing aspects of alcohol in soccer may seem harmless to some, the consequences of excessive drinking among fans can be severe. One of the most visible issues is violence and disorderly conduct. Soccer hooliganism, a term used to describe violent and unruly behavior among fans, has been linked to alcohol consumption for decades. In some cases, fans become intoxicated before games and engage in fights with rival supporters, causing chaos in and around stadiums.

This isn’t just limited to physical confrontations. Drunk fans are more likely to engage in disruptive behavior, such as chanting offensive slogans, vandalising property, or behaving aggressively toward other fans and security personnel. This has led to an increase in the need for heightened security measures at many games, and in some cases, alcohol bans or restrictions have been put in place to curb the problem.

The problem extends beyond match day. After a heavy drinking session, some fans face serious health risks. Alcohol abuse can lead to long-term physical and mental health issues, including liver disease, heart problems, and depression. Additionally, fans who regularly drink to excess as part of their soccer-watching routine may be at risk of developing a dependency and needing alcohol rehab.

Cultural Influences and National Differences

The relationship between soccer and alcohol also varies depending on the country and its cultural attitudes toward drinking. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, heavy drinking is deeply embedded in fan culture, with pubs and bars playing a central role in the soccer experience. Similarly, in countries like Germany and Argentina, drinking is seen as part of the festive, passionate atmosphere of soccer fandom.

However, in other parts of the world, such as the Middle East, where alcohol is less prevalent or even restricted by law, the link between soccer and alcohol is much weaker. For example, in Qatar, the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, alcohol was not permitted inside stadiums, reflecting the country’s strict regulations on drinking. These differences highlight how cultural attitudes can shape the relationship between alcohol and soccer.

Potential Solutions

Addressing the problem of alcohol-related issues among soccer fans requires a multifaceted approach. Stricter alcohol regulations in stadiums, such as limiting the number of drinks a fan can purchase or banning the sale of alcohol entirely, can help reduce excessive drinking. Some countries, like Scotland, have already implemented these measures with success, particularly in controlling hooliganism.

Finally, education plays a key role. Raising awareness about the dangers of excessive drinking, both in terms of health and behaviour, can help shift attitudes and reduce the culture of binge drinking that often surrounds soccer. Clubs and leagues can also play a part by limiting alcohol advertising and sponsorship, breaking the strong association between alcohol and the sport.