Imagined communities, the online sphere, and sport: The Internet and Hapoel Tel Aviv Football Club fans as a case study

Abstract

The Internet, particularly social media, has enhanced civic movements’ ability to communicate and organize their activities. This study addresses this issue in the realm of sports and examines fans’ online interaction while analyzing different platforms Hapoel Tel Aviv FC fans use (websites, forums, Twitter, and Facebook), especially during their 2011–2012 protest against the team’s owner. Findings indicate that technology enables fans to create and distribute information and organize beyond just official team activities and platforms. These trends are more salient in times of a protest.