International Review for the Sociology of Sport

Abstract

Academics, politicians, football administrators and journalists need to refrain from referring to ‘football fans ’ as though they are all the same. Millward clearly shows that they are not, and that these diverse groups articulate their differences in different ways. Inter-club rivalries, invented traditions and gendered identities are all instrumental in how fans understand and react to the changes taking place in football. Furthermore, the internet is becoming the public sphere where these ideas and identities can be dis-cussed and debated. This book has clear case studies that illuminate fan culture in the 21st century, whilst situating this in the wider political economy of globalised football. Consequently, this book is both timely and important. It will appeal to anyone inter-ested in globalisation, sport or football.