ABSTRACT
This essay refers to matters pertaining to fan identity and, in particular, examines how identity is formed in the more specific ideological space of what constitutes the fan base (both online and offline). To this effect, it examines the identity of two rival fan groups, fans following Omonoia FC and APOEL FC (the Nicosia derby), in relation to theories of collective identity formation through a discussion of their acts and gestures (offline and online), including their official websites and the rhetoric found there. To better illustrate the fan identity of these two fan groups, we will also produce detailed accounts of fan groups associated to other football clubs around Cyprus. Overall, we will take a critical look into a sample of this rhetoric as well as an informal semiotic analysis of the symbols that are habitually exhibited as part of each side’s effort to culminate a distinct self-depicted identity with political connotations.
