L'autre visage du supportérisme: autorégulations, mobilisations collectives et mouvements sociaux by Busset Thomas, Besson Roger et Jaccoud Christophe

The result of a scientific symposium organized in September 2012 by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES ) in Neuchâtel, this new book addresses the issue of football fan culture from previously underexplored perspectives. The new publication focuses on ways of organizing supporters and also their ability to curb extremist demonstrations and defend common interests towards clubs, federations and public authorities. Contributors discuss different geographical regions (Argentina, Belgium, Croatia, Egypt, France, Romania and Switzerland), and utilise a more general reflection on the organisational structure of the main national and international networks in this area, and the dynamics at work between the main actors.

The large amount of existing literature on fan culture is mainly focused on the problematic aspects of both the cultural and emotional dimensions of the phenomenon. A number of works have been devoted to racism and the presence of active right-wing groups inside stadiums. Numerous authors have also attempted to redraw and analyse the measures taken by the political, judicial and police authorities in ending such types of crowd violence.

In addition to the above important concerns, it is now clear that fan engagement is changing and moving into new areas.  Many fans today are no longer satisfied with just supporting their favourite team. For example, demands are now placed on clubs in areas such as stadium development and the timing and scheduling of matches. Fans now have a vision of football which they believe must be defended.

While the majority of these demands will be addressed by the relevant club manager and stadium operators, some fans have developed a more global approach. For example, the exact same regulations and laws which were originally intended to monitor, control and punish the worst offending supporters have now contributed to the realisation for certain supporters that they can come together with a common interest. These common interests can be defended when necessary and (at least temporarily) existing rivalries and conflicts between rival supporters can be put to one side to help achieve a common goal.

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