The Paradox of Football Supporters’ Communication

Abstract

The generalizing tendency is to associate supporter language with a minimal one, using few words, even very little gesture, so that verbal language as well as non verbal end up being disregard by those non involved in the area or who don’t look beyond appearances. Paradoxically, team supporters communicate a lot among them as well as with other galleries and even with the mass media, executive football forums, players etc. Banners, panels, choreography, which are meticulously prepared, send a clear message but are also the living proof of the fact that these individuals are creative and have a high communication capacity. Supporter communication is not limited to stadium manifestations; it is also the indicative result of every message sent through and by supporters’ actions.