FAN CULTURE AND ITS INFLUENCE ON FOOTBALL: INSIGHTS FROM CROATIAN SUPPORTERS
FAN CULTURE AND ITS INFLUENCE ON FOOTBALL: INSIGHTS FROM CROATIAN SUPPORTERS

Summary/Abstract: This paper examines the culture of sports fans, focussing on fans' habits, their influence on sport, the psychology and methods of cheering, fan types and their motivations. The main objectives of the paper are to show what drives fans, their loyalty and other factors that influence their engagement, especially with football clubs. The study compares fan groups across Europe and highlights the main differences. It also analyses the motivations of Croatian fans, including regular attendance and club loyalty. In order to collect data on fans' habits and attitudes, a quantitative survey was conducted, looking at sports preferences, frequency of attendance, spending, involvement in deviant behaviour and the importance of club success. The results show that most Croatian fans follow football, have supported their club for over 15 years and usually go to matches several times a year. The strongest motivations are love, a sense of belonging and the integration of the club as part of the fan's identity. Creative songs and banners as well as charity work are important features of this identity. Strengthening relationships between fans and clubs and expanding the regional focus form a strategic basis for sports clubs to increase the number of fans.

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