This article takes an overview of the available empirical data to examine whether it is correct to presume that there has been a change in the social composition of football crowds in recent years (p. 130). The Hillsborough disaster resulted in the enforcement of a modernization of stadiums’ facilities and introduction of all-seater stadiums (p. 129). Given this measure, new marketing strategies were adopted to attract a wide range of fans including, families and women, turning spectators into customers. Malcolm et al (2000) suggested that, ever since, it was widely accepted among academics and football administrators that the social composition of football crowds has changed (p. 129). They also argued that due to the fact that most research on football spectatorship had been focused on hooliganism there was little reliable information on social composition of football crowds to support the view defended by academic and journalists (p. 130). Based on the available surveys and empirical data, the authors of this article investigated trends in demographic changes in spectatorship. Their main aims were to test the validity of generally accepted ideas about the increase of female fans and that football is now attracting more of a family audience. In addition, they also examined the extent to what football is attracting wealthier and more middle class fans and excluding poorer fans. A number of variables such as age, sex and ethnicity, employment status were studied in order to assess changes in football spectator demographic changes. Although, some empirical data suggested that some demographic changes had occurred, the surveys in which it was based resulted in over representation of some groups. The argument that they put forward in this respect is significant since that it addresses problems related to sampling methods (e.g. ignoring the fact that many fans may arrive at the football grounds in the final few minutes before the kick-off in order to avoid crowds and traffic jams). It is also interesting to notice that it would appear that the authors are drawing upon a Weberian interpretative epistemology when trying to justify their assumption of the relatively stable patterns of football fans attendance. In addition, the authors’ line of reasoning appear to be based upon Max Weber (1864-1920) notion of the ‘modern’ which consisted in social changes such as replacing traditional (emotional) values with rational ones (Layder, 1994). In this respect, when referring to the recent changes in football, the authors use of statements such as; ‘predicted shift towards the ‘affluent customer’ rather than ‘traditional fan’ (p. 138) that seem to correspond to the early transitions in football history which resulted in the transformation of football from ‘primitive’ to ‘civilized’. One can also find some hidden assumptions in the article that seem to suggest that a ‘resistance’ against a new ‘civilizing project’ is taking place. In this respect, they commented that ‘the strength of loyalty to the club, and other fans, suggests that fandom will endure (p. 140). This idea of ‘resistance’ can also be found in Horne et al, (1999) book who asserted that the parallel between social and folk football changes were significantly marked by cultural struggles and social tension. In their book, Horne et al (1999) highlight the fact that for example the street football in Derby ‘was not wiped overnight, and immediate impact of official action was not always translated into long term importance’ (p. 86). Similarly, in the article analyzed in this paper it has been suggested that ‘it is unlikely that cosmetic changes will have a particularly significant impact on the majority of the crowd (p. 140). However, one could also argue that other theories may also be able to offer plausible explanations for the authors’ critique as well as for the occurred transitions in football in the late 20th century. For example, by drawing on Neo-Marxist epistemology, it would appear that a conflict between two classes (bourgeoisie and proletariat) is taking place. It also interesting to notice that the very early history of football marked by class conflict of interests. For instance, Anthony Delves (see Horne et al, 1999), when exploring social factors responsible for the decline of folk football, has identified ‘a largely middle-class consensus over the need to abolish football…’ (p. 39).
Finally, when assessing the authors’ relevant theoretical perspective, one can conclude that it is very useful to the context it is being used in the article since it appears to make references to the significant transitions that occurred in the early history of football such as; changes from folk football to the highly structured and rule-bond contest that is currently known.
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