Psychologist explains why football chants are an essential part of the game

A recent poll found that football fans view chants as a way to boost their team’s spirits—even when the chants are self-deprecating. Now, a psychologist has confirmed that this is true

More than one in 10 football fans admit their favourite chants are the ones poking fun at their own team’s misfortune. From sarcastically celebrating a late consolation goal to joking about a dreadful away game record, over half (53%) of these fans believe self-deprecating songs are an integral part of football’s humour and culture.

Nearly half (46%) think such chants build solidarity among supporters after a tough result, while 43% reckon they help keep spirits high – even when their team are the underdogs. Most fans also believe that singing at matches boosts players’ motivation, with 44% saying it helps the team stay focused during challenging moments.

Nine out of ten agree that music plays a vital role in defining a football club’s identity—whether it’s for elite teams chasing Champions League glory or local Sunday league sides battling it out on muddy pitches.

Additionally, three-quarters of supporters feel it’s their responsibility to cheer on their team and create an electric atmosphere, even when the odds seem stacked against them.

Spearheaded by Specsavers as part of its ‘Best Worst Team’ campaign which has enlisted Harry Redknapp to help turn around the fortunes of Somerset side Tunley Athletic – and the latest episode features Lioness and Manchester United record goal scorer Ella Toone giving the squad a lesson in winning.

Sports psychologist Andy Lane partnered with Specsavers to arrange a masterclass in psychology, and helped create five new chants for Tunley Athletic fans to belt out on match day.

Professor Lane commented, “Clubs see their fans as the 12th man, and a loud and supportive crowd is often the difference between victory and defeat.”

He further elaborated that chants foster a sense of unity, boosting motivation and belief. They can make the team feel like they’re playing for something greater than themselves, keeping them battling until the final whistle. Adding to this, he mentioned how it can help unsettle the opposing team, and shake their confidence.

“If we think back to the 2019 UEFA Champions League semi-final Anfield’s electric atmosphere fuelled Liverpool’s historic 4-0 comeback after losing 3-0 in the first leg, it was the energy of the crowd that made it almost impossible for Barcelona to settle.”

Drawing a comparison with the pandemic, he said: “When matches were played behind closed doors, the difference was dramatic. Liverpool’s 68-game unbeaten run at home ended and they lost six consecutive games something that was once unthinkable.

“Our hope is that these chants will make an impact and get the crowd behind Tunley.”

The study also discovered that 77% of football fans believe chants can significantly enhance the atmosphere at grassroots games. “In grassroots football, it’s not easy to replicate the high-energy environments you’d play in at a professional level,” said Professor Lane, “smaller crowds and less fanfare can make it challenging for players to tap into that motivation.”

He added: “I wanted to help the Tunley lads understand the power of mindset and the influence of their supporters. It’s about fostering a sense of unity and belief and building an atmosphere that will give them a ‘true’ home advantage.”

Duncan Fear, who has been manager at Tunley Athletic for over ten years, said: “We’ve faced a lot of challenges as a club over the last few years and it’s easy to lose focus when things just aren’t going our way.”

He added: “Confidence is one of our biggest struggles, so to have Andy join our training session and give us a fresh mindset has been game changing.

“It’s given us a new sense of belief, so we’re excited to see how it translates to better performances on the pitch. We’ll be giving our fans something to really rally behind and put our new chants to the test.”