Fans can be a powerful force for change. They helped bring down Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, marched against their club’s owner at Chelsea and protested Uefa’s decision to demote Crystal Palace from the Europa League. They have also pushed back against plans to commercialize the game and caused clubs to rethink their approach to the coronavirus pandemic.
They can make a difference through peaceful protest, which is a constitutionally protected form of expression. But they need to carefully plan their demonstrations and clearly articulate the goals and message that they want to convey to a broad audience. That’s what experts say is the secret to effective protest. The activists who can maintain their emotional passion, but keep part of their brains calculating the most effective way to channel that passion, are the ones who will make the biggest impact.
During the Civil Rights Movement, Black folks turned their sports fandom into a nonviolent weapon. They boycotted pro teams and chanted derogatory chants to demand that their team address the racial issues of the day. They forced major southern cities to choose between attracting professional sports and losing their Black support. And they changed sports forever.
Last week, a group of Los Angeles Galaxy fans did just that. Members of the Angel City Brigade, Galaxians and LA Riot Squad walked out of Dignity Health Sports Park during the home match against Minnesota on June 9, because the club remained silent over ICE raids in the area’s Latino community.
