ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the fans engage in a process of complex discursive negotiation, constructing their identities by drawing on the discourses that continue to surround the culture, ‘capitalism’ and ‘tradition,’ informed by the cultures of their club. It also argues that ‘Toby’s’ group identify with the discourse surrounding the pub to position themselves as ‘traditional fans,’ yet it is clear that their understanding of the game’s capitalism and their perceived need to oppose it as ‘traditional fans’ influences their fandom. The screening of England’s Euro 2012 matches at ‘MG’s’ attracted a particularly diverse clientele, challenging the ‘traditional’ construction of the pub. Throughout the exchange the pair indicate that unlike ‘Toby’ they have little knowledge of the arguments surrounding football culture. J. Bale in his ethnography of pub fans notes how fans favored pubs with big standing areas, as the experience of a large crowd packed in together is indicative of the terraces.
