By Ria Ivandic, Tom Kirchmaier and Yasaman Saeidi
LONDON, August 16 – For decades, football has been associated with hooliganism, but the focus has largely shifted from stadium brawls to the more private sphere of the home.
In the United Kingdom, one in four women is affected by domestic abuse. Reports of domestic violence in the UK can spike by as much as 50 per cent during football tournaments.
Ahead of Euro 2024, several NGOs and women’s groups such as Women’s Aid UK and Safe YOU warned about the rise of domestic abuse cases during the tournaments.
A UK charity-based helpline received a 20 per cent increase in calls during Euro 2024 matches.
A 2014 research highlighted a disturbing correlation between the English national team’s performance and the rise in domestic abuse cases — up by 26 per cent when the team won or drew, and by 38 per cent when it lost.
While the emotional highs and lows of the game might play a role, the more insidious factors are alcohol consumption and match timing.
The study, published in the Journal of Public Economics, found that domestic violence cases are almost exclusively driven by alcohol consumption.
The research revealed that early kick-offs, which allow for prolonged drinking after the match, are associated with higher levels of violence compared to late kick-offs.
The research observed a 5 per cent reduction in incidents during the two hours of the game. However, following the game, domestic abuse began to rise, reaching a peak at approximately 8.5 per cent above the average about 10 hours after the game started.
The research was conducted over eight years of highly detailed and frequent administrative calls and crime data from Greater Manchester Police, combined with information on the timing of nearly 800 matches played by Manchester United and Manchester City between April 2012 and June 2019.
Given these findings, shifting football matches to later in the day could be a practical step towards reducing domestic violence.
Early kickoff times, typically in the afternoon, provide room for excessive alcohol consumption throughout the day.
The research also indicates a direct correlation between this prolonged drinking and a surge in domestic abuse incidents during evening hours.
Shifting match schedules to later in the day and on weekdays could significantly reduce the risk factors associated with this harmful behaviour.
Understanding that when alcohol and football mix we observe the increases in domestic violence during these events shifts the focus of potential interventions.
Policies aimed at reducing binge drinking, especially around match times, could have a significant impact on curbing domestic abuse. This approach not only protects potential victims but also promotes healthier, more responsible behaviour among football fans.
Ria Ivandic is an assistant professor at the University of Zagreb, Croatia and an associate at Centre for Economic Performance, London School of Economics. Tom Kirchmaier is a professor of governance, risk, regulation and compliance at the Centre for Corporate Governance, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark. Yasaman Saeidi is a PhD student at the London School of Economics.
Article courtesy of 360info.
