Francis has been wearing red and white since childhood. As at the start of each season, this Englishman in his forties puts on his Arsenal jersey before going to the stadium. He will find his friends there, the same ones he has always had. The North London club opens the Premier League against another team from the capital: Crystal Palace. “It’s something we look forward to every year. I feel like we’ve been doing this forever. It’s almost a routine!rejoices this father. Obviously, I prefer when Arsenal win but, deep down, it’s not that important.”
“It’s an opportunity to meet, sing, drink a pint or two, chamber the opponents.”
an Arsenal fanat franceinfo
As often, the passion was passed on to him by his father, who lives in the Arsenal district. In England, in this very communitarian society, belonging is essential. Where you come from, your city, your neighborhood, everything is important. Whether politicians, singers, writers, they all have a favorite team that they openly support.
Liverpool is one of the giants of English football. If its supporters are viscerally attached to the club, it is above all the community that they form among themselves that is important. “And it goes far beyond the framework of football”, assures Ian Byrne, MP for Liverpool. With many Reds fans, they have set up food aid for the most needy. “Last year we fed 40,000 people. Liverpool and Everton fans were togethercontinues the British elected official. And it’s happening all over the country! Those of Manchester United, Manchester City, Newcastle do exactly the same thing. This sense of solidarity exists in our football, outside of games.”
The national team attracts less attention, except in the case of good results in a European championship or World Cup match. Hence the national fervor for the title of European champions of English footballers in July 2022.