The Transformation of the Spectator Behaviour in Professional Football

Necessities, Possibilities and Limits of Social Reaction

Abstract

This article summarizes the results of a excessive meta research “Changes in the behavior of spectators in German professional football – necessities, possibilities and limits of societie’s reaction“ which analyzed from 2004-2006 the actual developments in the German fan scene and its social area. Besides the analysis of the ultra culture and research of the interfacing work between police and social work, a focused look is taken at racist, xenophobic and extreme right wing spectator behavior. The results show that the peaceful, creative however also critical Ultra scene also displays trends of violence, racism and sexism. Problems of the cooperation and the dialog of police and social work were discussed. Counter strategies against violence, racism and sexism in football spectatorship and action recommendations are introduced.