Why Doesn't Soccer Hooliganism Exist in the USA?

At a time when soccer hooliganism has taken a disturbing turn for the worse in our country – a recent decision made by the Stade de Suisse, Bern’s soccer stadium, to no longer host any Swiss Cup finals was a significant step in raising awareness – it is interesting to analyze what is happening in stadiums on the other side of the Atlantic. Americans are also avid sports fans. In the U.S., basketball, baseball, hockey and football are the four most popular sports — not to mention car racing, with its NASCAR and IndyCar sporting events. These sports and their games are enthusiastically watched by millions of fans who gather in stadiums — sometimes several nights a week — or watch their favorite’s teams’ games on the many sports channels at home on TV. No one hesitates to wear their favorite team’s jersey or cap outside: quite the contrary!

Actually, Americans strongly identify with their local or university team. This should logically lead to rivalry between the different teams, giving rise to violent behavior. However, this doesn’t happen: The atmosphere remains very cheerful. You only have to notice the number of families who go to games at stadiums to realize that, and it is often so lighthearted that fans do not hesitate to applaud the opponent when they have made a good move. What is the explanation for this?

At first glance, the simplest explanation is the American law enforcement system. In the U.S., law and order is taken seriously. Two people fighting — or worse, fighting hooligans — would be forcefully arrested by the police, be subjected to an overnight stay in jail, have to pay a hefty fine, and be handed a lengthy ban from the stadium. This must surely put off even the most overenthusiastic fans.

The second explanation is that most likely, Americans have understood better than us that it’s about having fun. Americans go to a game to have a good time, drink a coke or a beer, eat a hot dog or popcorn and just relax. Moreover, half-time is an event in itself: cheerleaders, stuntmen, singing, close-up shots of the public, and even marriage proposals! Often, these lively half-time shows seem more important than the game itself. Yes, it is important to know who is going to win, but why spoil the party with a fist fight?

The third reason, and perhaps the most important, has to do with patriotism. Before each match the national anthem is played and all the fans stand (sometimes tens of thousands of people!). At this moment, veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars often enter the playing ground, greeted by the applause of the crowd. For better or for worse, everyone in the stadium feels American above all else, and that the defense of his or her homeland is what is really important. In comparison, supporting the Red Sox or the Yankees would result in banter and jokes.

Law enforcement, entertainment, patriotism: These three words are what probably describe the United States’ most popular sports. That’s why a nation that has long been considered violent and unsophisticated (which is true in other things) has been spared this soccer hooliganism disease. Could the United States be an example for Switzerland? It is especially the sense of belonging that is decisive. The solution is certainly not to wave our national flag during games in the stadiums, but why not consider playing the national anthem before each game? If we were able to revive or instill a sense of community that is stronger than the connection one can have for a simple soccer or hockey team, that would be one big step forward. It is up to the teams to keep all the fans entertained, on the playing ground as well as at half time, and for legislators to find a way to punish the offenders very severely.