Footie fans reveal love of gallows humour as one in ten admit favourite chants are about their own team’s misfortune
MORE than one in ten footie fans admit their favourite chants are the ones about their own team’s misfortune.
From sarcastically celebrating a late consolation goal to poking fun at their own poor away record, 53 per cent of these fans believe self-deprecating songs of irony and wit are all part of the sport’s humour and culture.
Nearly half (46 per cent) believe it shows solidarity among supporters after a bad result.
And 43 per cent also believe it helps to keep spirits high – even when their team are the underdogs.
The research was commissioned by Specsavers for its ‘Best Worst Team’ campaign, which has enlisted Harry Redknapp to help turn around the fortunes of Somerset side Tunley Athletic.
The latest episode of the series features Lioness and Manchester United record goalscorer Ella Toone giving the squad a lesson in winning silverware.
The research also revealed 62 per cent of fans believe singing at football matches can boost players’ motivation, while 44 per cent feel it keeps the team focused during the toughest moments.
Sports psychologist Andy Lane, who partnered with Specsavers to arrange a masterclass in psychology and created five new chants for Tunley Athletic fans to belt out on match day, said: “Clubs see their fans as the 12th man, and a loud and supportive crowd is often the difference between victory and defeat.
“Chants create a sense of unity and increases motivation and belief – it makes the team feel like they are playing for something bigger than just themselves and keeps them fighting until the final whistle.
“If the opposition hears loud, unified chanting, it will undoubtedly shake their confidence and disrupt their focus.
BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS
“If we think back to the 2019 UEFA Champions League semi-final – Anfield’s electric atmosphere fuelled Liverpool’s historic 4-0 comeback after losing 3-0 in the first leg, it was the energy of the crowd that made it almost impossible for Barcelona to settle.
“Whereas during the pandemic, when matches were played behind closed doors, the difference was dramatic.
“Liverpool’s 68-game unbeaten run at home ended and they lost six consecutive games – something that was once unthinkable.
“Our hope is that these chants will make an impact and get the crowd behind Tunley.”
The research also revealed 77 per cent of fans believe the use of chants would improve the atmosphere at grassroots games, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
While 88 per cent feel music is an essential part of any football club’s identity – from topflight squads competing for a Champions League spot, to a struggling Sunday league side.
Three-quarters (76 per cent) think it is the duty of the fans to chant for their team and create an atmosphere that pushes them forward, even when the odds are stacked against them.
Professor Lane added: “I wanted to help the Tunley lads understand the power of mindset and the influence of their supporters.
“In grassroots football, it’s not easy to replicate the high-energy environments you’d play in at a professional level, and smaller crowds and less fanfare can make it challenging for players to tap into that motivation.
“It’s about fostering a sense of unity and belief and building an atmosphere that will give them a true home advantage.”
Duncan Fear, who has been manager at Tunley Athletic for more than a decade, said: “We’ve faced a lot of challenges as a club over the last few years and it’s easy to lose focus when things just aren’t going our way.
“Confidence is one of our biggest struggles, so to have Andy join our training session and give us a fresh mindset has been game changing.
“It’s given us a new sense of belief, so we’re excited to see how it translates to better performances on the pitch.
“We’ll be giving our fans something to really rally behind and put our new chants to the test.”