Perceived Etiology of Anti-Social Behavior Among Players and Spectators of Selected Football Clubs in Nigeria (PEABFC)

Abstract

Summary Anti-social behavior at football contest is a well-recognized issue. Due to this fact, associations and government have devised variety of interventions and strategy characterized by high tension and tempo among players and spectators which usually generate disorderliness of varying intensify. This study focuses on investigation of etiological factors of anti-social behaviors among players and spectators of football clubs in Nigeria during matches, with a view to coming up with coherent strategies for its enervation. Self-development questionnaire tagged perceived etiology of antisocial behavior among football players and spectators of selected football clubs (SPEABFC) was used for data collection, with reliability value of 0.85. Two thousand seven hundred (2700) out of three thousand (3000) copies of questionnaire administered were retrieved and coded for analysis with adoption of percentages and chi-square x2 tool at 0.05 level at significant. The study copiously found that poor officiating, winning at all costs, conduct of coach and alcohol consumption are significant in causing anti-social behavior among players and spectators. Consequently, it is re-concluded among others that known troublemakers should be disallowed from entering the game venue, sale of alcohol be restricted to a place far from game site. The outcome is highly significant in view of the fact it might be helpful to scientifically develop appropriate strategies to control sale of drugs and alcohol at game site. The study is greatly insightful to sensitizes the management of football competitions to look inward more effective methods capable of making soccer context anti-behavior free. A adage says prevention is better than cure, the research is highly informative to authorities concerned with organization of football competitions map out preventive measures to unethical attitude by players, spectators as well fans for better attendance at game site which is likely to translate into making more profit for the organizers. An adequate provision for police and other security agents will go a long way to reduce anti-social behavior. We are now in the world of business geared towards profitability, any competition occasioned by riot and chaos is likely to negate this objective as attendance may reduce thereby drastically cutting the expected profit. The promoters of competition will be abreast this fact and develop remedies to counter it ahead at planning stage. The erring players should be sanctioned accordingly. The use of credible and competent officials with records of integrity and credibility will in part promote sanity during the matches.