Without fans football has at times been void of excitement during the coronavirus pandemic. Football is not just about the players and the ball but rather the atmosphere created by the game and the fans on the stands. There are countless situations in football history where fans have lit football matches with crazy reactions.
From electrifying crowds, chants, drama, and wild reactions to goals and wins, football is fun! Let us dive into some of the craziest fan moments ever in world football history.
- Scotland Fans Pitch Invasion
Scotland fans love it when they beat the English side. This was fully on show in the 1977 British Home Championship in what has come to be one of the craziest things sports fans have done in football history. Beating England two goals to one and totally outplaying them in the entire match sparked electric chants from the Scottish fans. What brought more excitement was the fact that they were doing it on English turf. After the final whistle, fans crossed the barriers and filled the stadium with wild celebrations. In fact, some fans climbed the goal frame and famously split it in two!
- Welcome to Hell!
In November 1993, Manchester United were drawn against Turkish side FC Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League. Manchester United had seen off Honved and a win against Galatasaray would propel them into the quarter-finals. However, a lacklustre loss at Old Trafford condemned them to a must-win away trip to Istanbul. When Manchester United arrived, they were greeted by horror banners with strange writings. The most notable one was the ‘Welcome to Hell’ banner. They were on display even during the game and things inevitably became chaotic after the final whistle. Several Manchester United fans were beaten and arrested.
- Swedish Fans Silent Protest
The Stockholm derby between Djurgarden and AIK in 2011 began in total silence for 10 minutes. It was a protest by fans from both sides against media dehumanization, authorities, and exploitation by their own clubs. Although it was a silent protest, they communicated their discontent.
- London 2012 Olympic Women’s Final
The 2012 Women’s World Cup at Wembley, England, was graced by over 80, 000 fans. Everything had gone well and everyone was thrilled by the warm welcome they received from the British public. However, one man, the then FIFA president-Sepp Blatter, was on the wrong side. His earlier comment that female footballers needed to wear tighter shorts to make themselves marketable was revisited by the huge crowd. He was booed and even a banner was raised in the crowd labeling him ‘The Swiss Family’s Robbing Son’.
- Protester Fan Handcuffed Himself to Post
In early 2012, Manchester City played Everton at Goodison Park and received a 1-0 beating. During the game, one protester, John Foley, jumped from the crowd and went to Joe Hart’s goal post where he handcuffed himself. The game was halted for 5 minutes to allow Stewards to get him off the pitch.
- Luis Figo Pig Head Incident
In the Nou Camp’s 2002 El Classico match, one Barcelona fan was fed up seeing Luis Figo, their former player, wearing their arch rival’s shirt. He smuggled a pig’s head into the stadium and threw it on the field as Luis Figo prepared to take a corner kick.
- Brighton EPL Promotion in 2017
In 2017, Brighton were top of the table and needed a win against the relegation-threatened Fulham. Fortunately, they won by 2 goals to one and made the long-awaited return to the EPL. A 34-year wait was finally becoming a reality. Immediately the final whistle went, the crowd erupted in joy, and scores of fans filled the stadium as they congratulate their players and joined in the celebration. The whole stadium was lit and perhaps no Brighton fan would forget this memorable day.
- Galatasaray Fans Throw Flares in 2014 Arsenal Defeat
Arsenal tore apart Galatasaray FC in 2014 at the Emirates Stadium courtesy of Danny Welbeck’s hatrick and a Sanchez goal. As the game went on, Galatasaray fans were frustrated by the result and started throwing flares on the pitch, forcing the referee to temporarily halt the game. Wesley Sneijder had to intervene to calm the away fans.
- Man City Hard-Fought EPL Title Win Comeback
On the final day of the 2011/2012 EPL season, Manchester City were shocked by the relegation-threatened QPR with 2 successive second-half goals. In the dying minutes of the second half, it looked as though the title was going to Manchester United. However, two quickfire goals enabled Manchester City to win the EPL title after 44 years. The crowd was supercharged and the field was invaded by plenty of emotional City fans celebrating their hard-fought title.
- Troy Deeney Last Minute Playoffs Goal
In 2013, Watford played Leicester in their EPL semi final playoffs match. Both teams were level and in the dying minutes, Leicester were awarded a penalty. However, Leicester City missed the penalty that resulted in a counterattack. Watford scored through Troy Deeney with seconds remaining before the referee to blew the final whistle. The celebration was extraordinary. Fans filled the stadium to celebrate their last minute team heroics.
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