dealchecker’s guide on how to be a good British sport when watching matches abroad.
As thousands of football fans across England and Wales are told to hand in their passports to stop them from attending the EUROs this summer, due to a government crackdown on hooliganism, it seems the old trope of how Brits act abroad might not be as off-kilter as we’d like it to be.
But with plenty of sporting events taking place abroad this summer, Rosie Panter, travel expert at dealchecker is encouraging Brits to shake off their infamous reputation by following her ultimate guide to behaving courteously while away.
Rosie says: “Nothing brings people together like sport. There’s something particularly wonderful about the shared sense of belonging it creates, breaking down barriers and uniting people under one team, game, or athlete. Sadly, however, this sense of belonging is too often marred by disruptive and loutish behaviour on the part of a small minority.
“As fans across the world come together to watch the EUROs and the Olympics, let’s remember that watching sport is essentially a matter of celebrating human excellence, and our behaviour should match that sentiment.”
Practice responsible drinking
Brits have long been associated with a culture of binge-drinking while abroad and this is unfortunately no better when at sporting events. Refrain from excessive drinking which can lead to antagonistic chanting and otherwise disruptive behaviours that detract from the enjoyment of the match for fellow spectators. Instead, pace yourself and stay hydrated – after all, you’ll want to remember the game.
Understand and respect fan culture
Before travelling to a host country, take the time to understand the unique fan culture and customs of their native sporting clubs. Whether it is learning a few basic phrases in the local language or distinguishing how social etiquette may differ from your own, show respect for the culture – the locals will appreciate it too.
Show respect for local monuments and cultural landmarks
Sporting events tend to take place in major cities globally, rich in history and heritage. While exploring a host city, show respect for monuments and cultural landmarks – activities such as climbing on statues, littering, or engaging in rowdy behaviour in local neighbourhoods are all no-go’s and should be actively discouraged among the group you are in.
Engage in positive interactions with fans
Whether it be a football match at the EUROs, or a basketball game at the Olympics, sporting events are a melting pots of cultures, languages and backgrounds. Rather than seeing opposing fans as your enemy, use this opportunity as a chance to appreciate the diversity of the sporting community and get to know fans from across the world.
Respect rules and regulations
Each country and sport has its own set of rules and regulations which spectators must adhere to while at the stadium. Familiarise yourself with these in advance to avoid being caught out. These might include restrictions on bringing certain items into the stadium, sitting in your designated seat and not smoking or vaping once in the arena.
Practice sustainable and responsible tourism
If you are visiting a destination that is seeing large volumes of in-bound tourism, opt to stay at hotels or dine in restaurants that are run by locals to ensure that you are positively impacting communities at a micro-level too. Not only will you get a real insight into the destination, but you’ll likely have a better experience.
To find out more or to book your own sports-filled getaway, visit www.dealchecker.co.uk.
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