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This paper explores soccer fandom among Zimbabwean supporters of the English Premier League and La Liga. It investigates conflicts between fans of different clubs and the rivalries they engage in, exchanging jokes and banter as they support their respective teams. These rivalries sometimes escalate from playful exchanges into provocative insults and serious confrontations, which can result in verbal or physical violence. The paper demonstrates how strong emotional attachment to clubs and players, alcohol consumption, soccer betting and politics can personalise soccer debates and banter. The study employs social identity theory to show how supporters categorise themselves and others into in-groups and out-groups.
Martin Magidi (Wed,) studied this question.