Football Hooliganism in the Media Space: European and Domestic Contexts

Abstract

Football and everything that surrounds has long been the subject of public attention and interest which maintains in the attention of international and regional media. The media discourse widely represents different information and evaluation of events on the football field and outside them which take place before, during and after football matches. Particular emphasis is placed on the behavior of the most active and visible parts of supporters - football fans and football hooligans. The media coverage of the football-related problems has national specifics and general trends. There are two main European media strategies in covering football hooliganism. The most common strategy for modern European media space is reducing attention to activity of football hooligans. According to some researchers such media reaction leads to decrease the intensity of football hooliganism. Another widespread media strategy is in heightened attention to football hooliganism in sensational way. Especial situation is formed in the Ukrainian media space. The football fans and football hooligansare praised for their active participation in Euromaidan movement, Revolution of Dignity and following war in Donbass, but their offensive actions practically are not covered. Regardless of strategies or discourses media certainly affect the existence and development of various social phenomena, including football hooliganism.