Abstract
Availability of alcohol at football matches in the UK is much debated and subject to multiple restrictions, yet there is little understanding of supporters’ attitudes. A cross-sectional survey of football supporters in Scotland and England (n = 1750) was conducted April–June 2019. Most supporters viewed drinking at matches as acceptable (74.4%) and thought alcohol should be available at grounds (76.0%); around two-fifths thought most supporters consumed alcohol before matches (44.1%); but only a quarter (26.6%) thought disorder at matches was due to alcohol. Attitudes varied by supporter characteristics: supporters who were younger, in England, or more regular match-goers were more favourable towards alcohol consumption and availability at matches. We conclude that alcohol regulations in some nations and sports – where restrictions are based on historical disorder – may no longer be appropriate.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 199-218 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Journal of Sport and Social Issues |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 2 |
Early online date | 23 Dec 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2022 |
Keywords
- alcohol
- attitudes
- Football
- regulations
- supporters
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Sociology and Political Science