Diehard football fans will even tune into matches at a funeral study finds

15 July 2023 , 15:43

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New research shows die-hard fans will tune into a match during a funeral (Image: Getty Images)

Diehard footie fans are so obsessed they secretly tune in to matches during funerals.

Some 9% confess to having watched a game in a church or crematorium.

And 12% have streamed matches at weddings – 6% at their own – while 7% of male fans viewed games at hospital while their kids were born. Chelsea fan Derek Powell, 43, from Chadwell Heath, East London, said: “It may sound disrespectful but it’s better than missing the funeral or wedding and going to the game.

“I keep the volume down and restrict myself to a sneaky peak so it isn’t obvious, especially at a funeral. I’ve had a nudge from my wife, who doesn’t approve but knows the club is everything to me.”

SeatPick, which polled 3,500 fans, also found 27% had streamed games at work, 21% at anniversary dos, 22% at birthdays and 19% on dates. The ticketing website’s Gilad Ziberman said: “What surprised us most was female fans are as obsessed as males, streaming games at every opportunity.”

Catholics across the world pray for Pope Benedict XVI as his body lies in state

Liverpool FC anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone ranked as the top sports song played at funerals, while FA Cup Final tune Abide With Me is also a firm favourite.

The findings echo Reds legend Bill Shankly’s words: “Some people believe football is a matter of life and death... I can assure you it is much more important than that.”

David Jarvis