Few events can rival the electric atmosphere of a football match day in London. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, or West Ham fan; there are some actions you must perform when attending a game. If you’ve never attended a match in the capital before, you might be unsure what to do or expect when in the city. If so, keep reading to learn about the various match day traditions in London.
Visit a Great British Pub Before the Game
Most football fans make their way to a great British pub before attending a match in London. Regardless of whether you’re attending a major game or a friendly, it’s typical to grab a pint at a local pub to discuss the team’s strategies, each other’s sports betting choices, or potential transfers to enjoy success in the league. The warm, welcoming pubs near a team’s home stadium are often full of memorabilia, creating a fun, supportive environment for fans to enjoy ahead of a match.
Wear the Team Shirt or Accessories
The best way to show your support for a club is to wear a new or classic football shirt and various memorabilia, such as a scarf, hat, or jacket. Many fans often turn out wearing their team’s apparel, creating a sea of colour as they walk to and from the game. It’s a fantastic way to feel part of the football community and share your passion for the sport with like-minded fans.
If you don’t own a scarf, hat, or other items, most stadiums have stands outside selling various merchandise, allowing you to feel part of the crowd and showcase your team spirit before, during, and after the match.
Some fans even have various superstitions they need to perform before or during the game, such as wearing their lucky underwear or scarf, sitting in the same seat every time, or walking the same route to the ground.
Grab a Snack from the Vendor
The last thing you’ll want is for a rumbling stomach to distract you during an exciting match. For this reason, most football fans tend to grab a bite to eat from a vendor outside the stadium before a game. You can typically buy a snack or meal that’s easy to hold, such as a pie, burger, or hot dog. It’s become part of many fans’ game day routines, warming and filling them up for 90 minutes of sporting action. Of course, most football stadiums sell various food and drink items to prevent hunger and thirst, but you may pay considerably more compared to local vendors.
Sing a Popular Football Chant or Anthem
Almost every football club has a synonymous chant or song that fans sing on the way to the ground and once they arrive at the stadium. For example, Arsenal fans often sing the classic song “Good Old Arsenal” or the increasingly popular “North London Forever,” while Chelsea fans don’t hesitate to belt out “Blue is the Colour” and “Carefree.”
If you’re showing your support for Spurs, you’d be wise to familiarize yourself with their official anthem “Glory, Glory, Tottenham Hotspur,” or the much-loved “Oh When the Spurs Go Marching In.” Also, most football fans are familiar with West Ham’s iconic anthem “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles,” which you’re likely to hear at every game they play.
Return to the Pub
Depending on your transport needs, you might choose to head back to the pub after a match to discuss the game with your friends or other fans. Many fans often choose to do so to celebrate a win or commiserate a loss, as it will provide them with an opportunity to debate strategies, players’ performances, and expectations for the rest of the season.
