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Why do fans follow sport when there is so much stress and despair?


I was asked this question on BBC Radio Merseyside today, following England’s exit from Euro 2012 football tournament after another penalty shoot-out.
When life is often routine and mundane, sport can bring colour to our lives. The highs and lows, the emotional rollercoaster, the stress and excitement of following a team can make our day, week and year more interesting.
Plus, when we watch sport with friends, family and fellow fans, there is a sense of being part of a group, a sense of belonging. We celebrate and commiserate together. It binds us together with other like-minded people.
Like the excitement a gambler feels when he is placing his bet, we fans would find it difficult to do without the thrills and spills of following our teams.
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