Early kickoffs and prolonged drinking fuel domestic violence

Alcohol, not emotions, is the main driver of post-match domestic abuse. Changing game times and reducing drinking prevent abuse.

For decades, football has been associated with hooliganism, but the focus has largely shifted from stadium brawls to the more private sphere of the home.

In the UK, one in four women is affected by domestic abuse. Reports of domestic violence in the UK can spike by as much as 50 percent during football tournaments.

Ahead of Euro 2024, several NGOs and women’s groups such as Women’s Aid UK and Safe YOU warned about the rise of domestic abuse cases during the tournaments. A UK charity-based helpline received a 20 percent increase in calls during Euro 2024 matches.

A 2014 research highlighted a disturbing correlation between the English national team’s performance and the rise in domestic abuse cases—up by 26 percent when the team won or drew, and by 38 percent when it lost.

While the emotional highs and lows of the game might play a role, the more insidious factors are alcohol consumption and match timing.

Booze and early kickoffs

The study, published in the Journal of Public Economics, found that domestic violence cases are almost exclusively driven by alcohol consumption.

The research revealed that early kick-offs, which allow for prolonged drinking after the match, are associated with higher levels of violence compared to late kick-offs.

The research observed a 5 percent reduction in incidents during the two hours of the game. However, following the game, domestic abuse began to rise, reaching a peak at approximately 8.5 percent above the average about 10 hours after the game started.

The research was conducted over eight years of highly detailed and frequent administrative calls and crime data from Greater Manchester Police, combined with information on the timing of nearly 800 matches played by Manchester United and Manchester City between April 2012 and June 2019.

Change kick-offs and regulate alcohol

Given these findings, shifting football matches to later in the day could be a practical step towards reducing domestic violence.

Early kickoff times, typically in the afternoon, provide room for excessive alcohol consumption throughout the day.

The research also indicates a direct correlation between this prolonged drinking and a surge in domestic abuse incidents during evening hours. Shifting match schedules to later in the day and on weekdays could significantly reduce the risk factors associated with this harmful behaviour.

Addressing the root cause

Understanding that when alcohol and football mix we observe the increases in domestic violence during these events shifts the focus of potential interventions.

Policies aimed at reducing binge drinking, especially around match times, could have a significant impact on curbing domestic abuse. This approach not only protects potential victims but also promotes healthier, more responsible behaviour among football fans.

Dr Ria Ivandic is an assistant professor at the University of Zagreb, Croatia and an associate at Centre for Economic Performance, London School of Economics, UK.

Professor Tom Kirchmaier is a professor of governance, risk, regulation and compliance at the Centre for Corporate Governance, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark. He is also a professorial fellow at the Centre for Economic Performance, London School of Economics, UK. His primary research areas involve law and economics, policing and crime, banks, money laundering and organised crime, as well as boards (gender).

Yasaman Saeidi is a PhD student at the London School of Economics, UK.

Neus Torres Blas is a research advisor at the Behavioural Insights Unit, a UK-based global social purpose organisation.

Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info™.