Euro 2024: Risk Of Domestic Violence Increases In england During Football Matches, Incidents Increase By 38% When Three Lions Lose: Study

Euro 2024: A recent study conducted by England's National Centre of Domestic Violence has shown some shocking results, linking the risk of domestic violence with football matches in England.

Football is no less than a passion for billions of people worldwide. The sport is the most followed one globally. Among its most ardent followers are the English whose excitement knows no limits whenever their national football team is on the pitch. Fans are often glued to the television screens and enjoy the match at pubs or homes, celebrating every goal scored by their team.

However, there is a bitter truth that is hidden behind this fandom that the sport enjoys and it happens to domestic violence. A recent study conducted by England's National Centre for Domestic Violence has shown some shocking results. Whenever England's national football side loses a game, domestic violence incidents increase by up to 38%. In case of a draw or a win, there is a 26% spike in domestic violence cases. 

A day after the match too, there was an 11% increase in domestic violence incidents. In the cases reported as per the study, most victims happen to wives or girlfriends. The empirical research has revealed multiple factors for the sharp jump in the number of domestic violence cases, with the first being increased consumption of alcohol.

Notably, during the football season, fans tend to consume more alcohol while watching the match in a social setting, which increases the likelihood of displaying violent behaviors. The other reason is heightened emotional stress. Notably, the tension of losing a match or the elation after winning a game both increase emotional stress.  The third factor, as revealed in the study, is unrealistic expectations from the team which encourages violent behavior. When the team loses, fans take out their frustration and anger which tend to take violent avatar. 

Local Administration, Non-Governmental Organisation Working To Keep Violence In Check

Such is the case of domestic violence during an international football season traditionally, which is expected to continue in the ongoing Euro 2024, other than the local administration, several nongovernmental organizations are working to keep violence in check.

During Euro 2020, England's administration launched a 'Let’s show domestic abuse the red card' campaign. Before England's match against serbia earlier this month, police had to issue a warning that there could be an increase in domestic violence cases.