Analyzing the Behavior and Financial Status of Soccer Fans from a Mobile Phone Network Perspective: Euro 2016, a Case Study

In this study, Call Detail Records (CDRs) covering Budapest for the month of June in 2016 were analyzed. During this observation period, the 2016 UEFA European Football Championship took place, which significantly affected the habit of the residents despite the fact that not a single match was played in the city. We evaluated the fans’ behavior in Budapest during and after the Hungarian matches and found that the mobile phone network activity reflected the football fans’ behavior, demonstrating the potential of the use of mobile phone network data in a social sensing system. The Call Detail Records were enriched with mobile phone properties and used to analyze the subscribers’ devices. Applying the device information (Type Allocation Code) obtained from the activity records, the Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM), which do not operate in cell phones, were omitted from mobility analyses, allowing us to focus on the behavior of people. Mobile phone price was proposed and evaluated as a socioeconomic indicator and the correlation between the phone price and the mobility customs was found. We also found that, besides the cell phone price, the subscriber age and subscription type also had effects on users’ mobility. On the other hand, these factors did not seem to affect their interest in football.

Game play and the effectiveness of sponsor signage: visual attention to brand messages in live sport broadcasts

PurposeTechnological innovations could allow for real-time control of sponsor exposure during sport broadcasts to increase the capacity of sponsor messages to attract attention. While such an approach requires knowledge on the interplay between in-game events and viewers' attention to sponsor signage previous studies have disregarded factors pertaining to the competition itself. To address this gap, this paper investigates the impact of game-related variables on the allocation of viewer attention in live broadcasts.Design/methodology/approachEye tracking is used to examine the impact of variations in score, ball position and ball possession on soccer fans' attention to sponsor messages during broadcasts. In total, the data comprise n = 36,604 second-by-second observations from 11 participants and games.FindingsLogistic regression analysis reveals game time effects and significant interaction effects between possession and the score as well as the ball position variable. Sponsors receive less attention if the attacking team controls the ball near the opponents' goal, particularly if the viewers' preferred team is in possession.Practical implicationsProperty owners and sponsors can exploit these findings to determine the value of sponsor brand exposure more precisely. New systems could further increase message effectiveness through adjustments of sponsor exposure based on real time match event data.Originality/valueThis study is the first to explore the influence of game-related variables on attention to sponsors. By employing live broadcasts in a near-realistic setting, it further addresses a gap in the literature and adds to the knowledge on sponsor message processing.

Associations between sociodemographic and behavioural variables, fanaticism and aggressiveness of soccer fans

Soccer fans’ aggressiveness has serious consequences for individuals and society. However, its predictive factors have been poorly investigated. This study aimed to examine variables that predict soccer fans’ aggressiveness. This survey, correlational and cross-sectional research involved 210 participants, which were equivalent in crowd type (105 belonging to organized fan crowds and 105 not belonging to organized fan crowds), sex and age. The measurement instruments were: sociodemographic, occupational and behavioural questionnaires; the Fanaticism Scale for Football Fans; and the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Results showed high aggressiveness in both groups and correlations between aggressiveness and fanaticism, sociodemographic and behavioural variables. Furthermore, the predictors of aggressiveness were fanaticism, age and time affiliated with the organized crowd. Therefore, it is concluded that sociodemographic and behavioural variables and fanaticism are important for understanding this phenomenon.

The Role of Stadium Atmosphere and Ticket Prices on Soccer Fans' Behavioral Intentions: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The process of going to the soccer stadiums, is pointed as a leisure activity of society, for such, this phenomenon is responsible for providing profits to clubs since ticket sales is one of the main sources of revenue in soccer. Therefore, when enjoying the spectacle, the fan is likely to receive numerous stimuli due to the atmosphere found in soccer stadiums. Therefore, it is the clubs' mission to aim at pleasing their consumers, aiming at the acquisition of their products and services. Therefore, we find in the sports marketing literature the behavioral intentions, which provide information about the supporters' future intentions towards their club. However, there are still no indications that map the role of stadium atmosphere and ticket price on behavioral intentions, in the soccer field. Objective: To review the role of stadium atmosphere and ticket price on the behavioral intention of Soccer spectators. Methodology: This is a systematic review, following PRISMA protocol suggestions, using Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCO host databases. We used a search model with descriptors for groups related to ticket prices and stadium atmosphere, plus a group related to behavioral intentions and soccer. Original studies published in English or Portuguese up to September 30, 2020, were considered; the year of publication was not restricted. Moreover, the studies that were unrelated to the theme and duplicated were removed. A total of 732 studies, with 02 being eligible for this review. Results: As investigated, the atmosphere of the stadiums is able to impact on behavioral intentions, being the positive experience corresponding to a higher content of return to the stadiums, however, the fan does not get their emotional needs met while the atmosphere prior, can direct the same to a negative significance in relation to behavioral intention. As for the ticket price, it had a positive significance when compared to behavioral intentions. Discussion: Focusing on this significance, the positive experiences and the price paid for tickets in an event can play an intentional repurchase behavior. It is worth noting the context in which the analysis is employed since the local culture can influence consumer perception regarding the desired experiences at the spectacle. Conclusion: The stadiums' atmosphere and the ticket prices structure themselves as a relevant factor in the behavioral intentions of soccer fans.

Can Exposure to Celebrities Reduce Prejudice? The Effect of Mohamed Salah on Islamophobic Behaviors and Attitudes

Can exposure to celebrities from stigmatized groups reduce prejudice? To address this question, we study the case of Mohamed Salah, a visibly Muslim, elite soccer player. Using data on hate crime reports throughout England and 15 million tweets from British soccer fans, we find that after Salah joined Liverpool F.C., hate crimes in the Liverpool area dropped by 16% compared with a synthetic control, and Liverpool F.C. fans halved their rates of posting anti-Muslim tweets relative to fans of other top-flight clubs. An original survey experiment suggests that the salience of Salah’s Muslim identity enabled positive feelings toward Salah to generalize to Muslims more broadly. Our findings provide support for the parasocial contact hypothesis—indicating that positive exposure to out-group celebrities can spark real-world behavioral changes in prejudice.

How football fans perceive sports heroes – The case of Israel

Background: Hero-making and hero-worship are common in human society. Yet despite the universal appeal of heroes, the features attributed to these figures and the attitudes toward them change depending upon the circumstances. Heroes have been the topic of extensive discussion in the academic literature. Nevertheless, little research attention has been directed at sports heroes. Examining soccer heroes is of special importance, particularly in view of soccer’s popularity across the globe and the celebrity status of top soccer stars. Purpose: The objective of this paper is to examine and map the defining features of soccer heroes as subjectively perceived by their fans. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study that entailed semi-structured interviews with 18 young Israeli soccer fans as well as content analysis of fan chants. Results: The research findings indicate that fans attribute special importance to three main characteristics that are not perceived as dominant among heroes in other contexts: loyalty to team and family, modesty and morality, and the ability to influence their surroundings. Based on the findings, the paper discusses the unique nature of soccer heroes in contrast to other elite players and the role played by these heroes for their fans.

How Can Social Branding Mitigate Racism Among Fans in Sports? A Q-sort Analysis on the Value of Social Branding Campaigns as Vehicles for Reducing Racism Among Soccer Fans

Social branding is a new governance strategy in the field of sport. National governments and sport associations, for instance, use branding to reach out to fans and alter their perceptions of racism in sport. But how do fans, as a target group, actually value this governance strategy? This article zooms in on the purpose of social branding, as perceived by fans as a target group in a social branding campaign on racism in soccer in the Netherlands. The Q-sort methodology was used to study the subjective viewpoints of 29 soccer fans of different professional sport clubs. The analysis reveals that soccer fans prefer a transparent branding process in which they are recognized as coproducers of the brand and can add their story to the brand message that is conveyed to target audiences.