A Football Fan’s Etiquette Guide
“Surely we can’t be judged on manners in the stands?”. Well, a gentleman should behave as one in all situations. Besides, the average age of a Premier League adult fan is now upwards of 40 and football is promoted as a fun family activity so behaving like an animal isn’t an option. Some shouting, chanting and even booing may be appropriate but you’ll still want to keep your wilder instincts under control and we have all the tips to help you.
The ultimate checklist of good manners when attending a football match
1. Prioritise
The only people who’re allowed to think that football is the most important thing in the world are 12-year-olds. Everyone older than that needs to get to grips with reality and put things in perspective.
2. Don’t just show up
Book early to find adjacent seats with your friends. If you’re new to the sport or the specific stadium, search where passionate loyal fans tend to sit to avoid surprises. On the day, the area around the stadium is bound to be congested so allow plenty of time to arrive.
3. Dress code
Fans usually wear the colours of the team they support. If you don’t want to do that, at least avoid the opponent’s colours. Remember you’ll be exposed to the elements so make sure your clothes will keep you warm and dry. If you happen to get your hands on VIP hospitality tickets, check whether they come with a dress code and check out our men’s suits for inspiration.
4. Sit down
Would you take someone else’s seat at the theatre because the view is better? No and don’t do it here either. Find your seat and try to avoid constantly walking in and out in search of food, toilets etc. as some people may actually want to watch the game. If you’re not sure whether to sit or stand during nail-biting moments, observe what other people are doing.
5. Be a sport
There’s a time to boo and have a laugh but that’s not when national anthems are playing. A gentleman believes in fair play and awkward moments, e.g. injuries on the field, a team suffering a humiliating defeat or someone scoring an own goal, are the time to prove it.
6. Save your questions
Celebrity players and top-notch clubs attract tourists who have always dreamed of watching a Premier League match. As lovely as it is to share our national treasures, we may not be disposed to answer questions during a penalty shootout. Do a bit of reading in advance and avoid interrupting our hard-earned agony at crucial moments.
7. The referee doesn’t care
Now might be a good time to state the obvious. Never in the history of referee decisions has a referee changed their decision because the crowds were screaming. Save your vocal cords and dignity.
8. Can I bring a date?
This is not the 1800s and yes, you can. You may want to warn them though if you plan to have a pitch-side meltdown when things don’t go your team’s way.
9. Beware of tiny people
Football isn’t a child-free environment. They may be fans or players but, in any case, avoid behaving like a mindless hooligan in front of them. They’ll grow up to mirror these behaviours and you’ll then be too old to do something about it.
10. Clean up after yourself
Have you seen the news stories about Japanese fans cleaning the stands after World Cup games? Learn from them.
Football is fun but it also brings out our tribal instincts, which is probably what makes it so therapeutic to watch. It’s no wonder really that Premier League stadiums are almost always full. As with most social occasions, some common sense makes everyone’s life easier. Sign up to our newsletter for a regular dose of style and etiquette delivered to your inbox.
