Diehard football fans will even tune into matches at a funeral study finds

15 July 2023 , 15:43

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New research shows die-hard fans will tune into a match during a funeral (Image: Getty Images)

Diehard footie fans are so obsessed they secretly tune in to matches during funerals.

Some 9% confess to having watched a game in a church or crematorium.

And 12% have streamed matches at weddings – 6% at their own – while 7% of male fans viewed games at hospital while their kids were born. Chelsea fan Derek Powell, 43, from Chadwell Heath, East London, said: “It may sound disrespectful but it’s better than missing the funeral or wedding and going to the game.

“I keep the volume down and restrict myself to a sneaky peak so it isn’t obvious, especially at a funeral. I’ve had a nudge from my wife, who doesn’t approve but knows the club is everything to me.”

SeatPick, which polled 3,500 fans, also found 27% had streamed games at work, 21% at anniversary dos, 22% at birthdays and 19% on dates. The ticketing website’s Gilad Ziberman said: “What surprised us most was female fans are as obsessed as males, streaming games at every opportunity.”

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Liverpool FC anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone ranked as the top sports song played at funerals, while FA Cup Final tune Abide With Me is also a firm favourite.

The findings echo Reds legend Bill Shankly’s words: “Some people believe football is a matter of life and death... I can assure you it is much more important than that.”

David Jarvis