Crowd, game and dispute: Practices between football supporters in Argentina

Abstract

In this article we discuss a unique aspect of modern football: the practices of "aliento" developed by sports fans during the match. During the game, they trigger a series of strategies with the objective of obtain a symbolic victory over the rival. This social competition is unique because it combines elements identified simultaneously with a tragic dimension and a comic dimension. Both coexist and blend to shape the expression of the fans. The latter, in turn, develop in harmony with different aspects of play, because of its creative, spontaneous and liberating quality. However, the action of the fans, that moves between coding and improvisation, are based on a worldview marked by a kind of masculinity. The fans defend a male model that appreciates the courage, power, strenght and aggressiveness. This model has practical implications in terms of the expression of violence in contemporary football.