The Role of Sports Media in Confronting Violence and Hooliganism in Sports Stadiums

Symposium on Sports Media in Reducing Intolerance and Violence in Stadiums February 18–20, 2014

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Authors: Dr. Hamada Eid Nawar Al-Antably and Dr. Hisham Abdel Halim Mahmoud

Study Overview: This study aimed to identify the manifestations and causes of fan-driven violence and hooliganism in stadiums, as well as the role of sports media in confronting these issues. The researchers utilized a descriptive survey methodology suitable for the nature of the study.

Participants: The sample was randomly selected, totaling 177 participants:

80 members of club boards of directors, coaching staffs, and players.

43 members of boards of directors of various sports federations.

20 sports journalists.

34 officials from the Ministry of State for Sports. An additional pilot sample of 30 individuals (outside the main study sample) was used to calculate scientific coefficients for the research variables. A questionnaire was used as the primary data collection tool.

Key Findings:

Manifestations of Violence: Stadium violence is demonstrated by actions such as destroying stands and substitute benches, as well as rowdy cheering and uneducational chanting by some fans.

Causes of Violence: Excessive enthusiasm, blind fanaticism among some fans, and the prevalence of violent manifestations within society.

Role of Sports Media: The study highlighted that the role of sports media in confronting such violence includes presenting a truthful and clear picture of match events—especially regarding fan behavior—and refraining from publishing content that incites hatred among fans.

Key Recommendations:

Emphasize the role of sports organizations in providing programs and plans to improve sports behavior through various media outlets.

Reinforce the supervisory role of legal institutions in monitoring content broadcast or published in media that may negatively influence the behaviors and reactions of sports audiences.