Sport fan attitudes on alcohol: Insights from a survey of football supporters in Scotland and England

Richard I. Purves*, Nathan Critchlow, Giulanotti Richard, Kate Hunt, Stephen Morrow, Angus Bancroft

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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 languageEnglish
Number of pages20
JournalJournal of Sport and Social Issues
Early online date23 Dec 2021
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 23 Dec 2021

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • football
  • alcohol
  • attitudes
  • supporters
  • regulations

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