The recent violent incidents at Super 15 matches and at the PSL clash between Kaizer Chiefs vs Golden Arrows is evidence of this and has unfortunately drawn attention to the ugly, violent side of sport.
Why does ‘fan mayhem’ exist and how can it be prevented?
It is believed that humans naturally have aggressive instincts. These instincts are expressed through socially acceptable platforms such as sport.
With this in mind, sport can provide a release from aggression for both athletes and spectators without causing harm.
That said, if you are a passionate sports fan, and your team is not performing well, you could become frustrated, and aggression is a natural response to frustration.
Situational factors including alcohol, large crowds, hot temperatures, loud cheering and vuvuzelas, can also make spectators more susceptible to aggression. What’s more, if aggression is displayed and accepted in sport, some fans could mimic that behaviour.
Situational factors aside, in my opinion, the only way to prevent fan violence is if South Africa adopts a zero tolerance attitude towards it.
This could include match bans and criminal consequences for offenders who pose a safety risk. In addition, event officials need to ensure that there is appropriate and visible security in place to deal with any potential problems of violence.
Coaches and players can also help reduce spectator violence by communicating to their fans that physical, verbal and gestural violence will not be tolerated.
