In the summer of 2024, the streets of Málaga, Spain, were awash with a sea of red and yellow as jubilant fans celebrated their national team’s triumphant victory in the Euro 2024. The air was filled with the sound of horns, the sight of bullfighting with Spanish flags, and the uncontainable joy of football fans who took to the streets in a display of national pride. Spain’s victory was a moment of collective ecstasy, a testament to the power of sport to unite and uplift.
However, as the old saying goes, “Every coin has two sides.” While Spain basked in the glory of victory, across the English Channel, the mood was starkly different. England’s loss in the final was not just a blow to the nation’s sporting aspirations but had far-reaching and deeply troubling consequences.
In the wake of England’s defeat, there was a shocking 38% increase in domestic violence incidents in UK households. This outrage of a statistic sheds light on a darker aspect of football culture, one that is often overshadowed by the thrill of the game but has devastating real-world implications.
The relevant artpiece by Corbin Shaw
On the occasion of these alarming news, a post of Corbin Shaw, the Sheffeild born and raised artist, presenting one of his artworks resurfaced on the internet. Highlighting the brutality of the “Ultras”, such attacks that occur outside of the stadium, with male perpetrators in the centre of them, makes one ponder over a couple of things… One of them being the amount of women’s trauma, who, although they are innocent bystanders, they are conditioned to be the target of a vigilant outrage. This macho act of abuse performed by husbands, just like any other instance of Systemic violence, hides under the pretext of a disapointing turnout of a game, resulting in them finding a bloody way to “blow off steam”.
Open your eyes and ears for narratives which have in their centre females, who fall victim to any type of man, including of course the type of “the Fanatic”.
It all comes down to one thing; if one holds no restraint and are capable of laying hands in public broadcasted events, how difficult would it be for them to perform the same- and worse- at home behind closed doors? To check the 2022 piece by Shaw with your own eyes and realize how the words spray-painted on it are diachronic, press this link.
The Shadow of Defeat
The correlation between major football tournaments and a rise in domestic violence is not new. Research has consistently shown a spike in incidents following England’s losses in important matches. The aftermath of the Euro 2024 final was no exception. As fans across the country grappled with the disappointment of defeat, many households became the scenes of aggression and violence.
The Silent Victims
In the narrative of England’s loss, the silent victims were once again women. They bore the brunt of the frustration and anger that followed the match, trapped in a cycle of violence that escalated with the final whistle. The surge in domestic violence incidents is a grim reminder that for many, football is not just a game but a trigger for deeper, more insidious issues.
A Call to Action
The connection between football and domestic violence is a societal issue that requires urgent attention. It calls for a collective effort from football associations, clubs, fans, and the wider society to address this problem. Awareness campaigns, stricter law enforcement, support for victims, and education can all play a part in tackling this issue.
Finally, while we celebrate the victories and share in the disappointments of our favorite teams, it’s crucial to remember the impact these events can have off the pitch. The fight against domestic violence is a battle we must all participate in, ensuring that the beautiful game does not cast an ugly shadow on our society.