Are U.S. or European Fans Better?
Some days ago, I wrote on a similar dilemma: how NBA fans are destroying the league.
While reading the comments I received on that article, I noticed that one of the readers sent me a ton of videos from NBA fans.
I was then struck with the idea of analyzing each corner of this difficult question:
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Who's better: American or European fans?
I'll try analyzing everything that makes a good fan, from their loudness to their get-ups, and so on and so on.
Hint: Don't forget to watch each video that I post, or you won't understand anything.
Let's Get Loud!
Maximize the volume of your speakers, 'cause it is going to get really loud!
I went to a game in which my ears almost popped, and where was it?
Qwest Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks.
There were measurements of 100 decibels that day; that's how loud it can get at QWest. The fans scream, they whistle, they curse, they simply get loud. It's an incredible atmosphere.
Opposing players go crazy, and hearing the quarterback is next to impossible!
Proof:
Now, meet the Turkish fans. They're credited for being the loudest fans in the world. They're so proud of it that their ultimate goal is to break the decibel record in a stadium!
Besiktas is one of the big clubs from Istanbul. Their fans, the loud Carsi, are feared throughout Europe with good reason. They're not only wild, but they're boomingly loud. Like 132-decibel loud! That's the world record for now!
Proof (maximize the sound on your computer for full effect):
Did I mention that Besiktas' stadium only holds 32,000? That's half of the capacity of the loudest stadium in the US, QWest Field.
This category goes to European fans, no doubt.
Treating Traitors
Chants of "VC sucks" echoed through the Raptors' arena when Vince Carter came back to play against the Toronto Raptors, his former franchise. This is a typical treatment in the US.
Proof:
Barça-Real Madrid is one of the biggest rivalries on the Old Continent. The hate goes beyond sports: It symbolizes the hate between Catalunya and Madrid, and the traditional motto "Catalonia is not Spain" is always on several banners. It's an unimaginable animosity.
When Portuguese ace Luis Figo went to Real Madrid for millions of dollars, Barça fans went absolutely nuts, seeing as how Figo had sweared his loyalty to "els blaugrana."
Here's what happens when you betray.
Proof (watch for the 0:18 mark):
Another point for the European fans.
Treating Rival Fans
Treating rival fans usually measures the respect for a rival team.
The Yankees-Red Sox rivalry is, for many, the fiercest rivalry in the U.S. Well, the two clubs' fans are really cool with each other. They mess with each other and so on, but there's no violence.
Well, in Europe, it tends to get violent, especially when you sit next to one of the "torcidas."
Sometimes people die in games across the pond. This is the shame of European fans, those hooligans!
For their fair play, this point goes to U.S. fans.
Treating Rival Players
This was darn near equal on both sides, as Americans and Europeans alike employed posters, cursing, chanting, screaming, etc.
Well, some years ago, the European football world was shocked when Ronaldinho was rewarded like this after scoring three goals at Santiago Bernabeu and put on a brilliant exhibition.
Proof:
Would you expect to see the Bleacher Creatures applauding Ortiz? Don't think so.
For recognizing talent, this point goes to European fans.
Reactions After a Loss
Seems like most disappointed fans are either speechless or booing the team. Well, not Celtic fans, they go way beyond that.
Proof:
Note that they just lost 3-0 against Benfica in a CL match. Incredible fair play!
Celtic fans earn this point for Europe!
Stand Mosaics
I searched all over YouTube and I Googled it, but I did not find a single tradition among U.S. fans.
Barça fans really did it here. For all of those who don't know what a mosaic is, simply learn and enjoy!
Proof:
Coordinating 98,000 people is incredible! Point to European fans.
P.S.: The explanation on the "Ja som 125000" is wrong! See zemmvr's comment for the explanation.
Pregame Traditions
In Europe, there are no pregame traditions (read: before warm-ups), but in the U.S., tailgating (especially at Lambeau Field) is a real ritual.
Point, US fans!
Organized Fan Groups ("Nations")
If you're a U.S. fan, when I say "Nation," you must think "Raider-Nation," the craziest, most passionate fans (and likely scariest) in American sports.
But let's get back to Besiktas: Their fans are the previously mentioned organized group "Carsi."
The Carsi have members of all types, but they're made mostly of students since Besiktas is in the Education District of Istanbul. These are fans that are not only crazy for their team but also involved in many political protests (against corruption in Turkey, for example). Here's a sample of one of their most spectacular chants:
I'd also like to mention Man U's Red Army and the fans of Liverpool, the Celtic, Barcelona, Turkey, and Italy.
This point goes to European fans, definitely.
Chants
Sorry, U.S. fans, but I did not find a single famous chant that compares to the brilliance of Liverpool's and Celtic's "You'll Never Walk Alone"!
Proof:
Amazing! Another for the European fans.
Outfits
Two words: "Raider-Nation!"
Point, U.S. fans.
End Result
It's clear that European fans win (the official count was seven to three), but there are some things that you can't measure: passion for the game, the teams, and the players, for example.
In closing, I'd like to say that all fans are great, but that some are greater than others!
