The 5 Most Important Fan Accessories in World Football

With hundreds of millions of football fans dotted all around the glob, there are a plethora of different accessories sported by followers of various clubs, leagues and nations.

From replica shirts and scarves, to everyday items like fridge magnets and mouse mats, to unique fan apparel like the vuvuzela, every fan has their own preferred accessory to make match days special.

Lets take a look at five of the most important football accessories in the world.

5. Vuvuzela

Gallo Images/Getty Images

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 27:Fans blow vuvuzelas 2during the Absa Premiership match between Vasco Da Gama and Orlando Pirates, at Cape Town Stadium on August 27, 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Carl Fourie/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

The 2009 Confederations Cup tournament was our first extended exposure to this popular African accessory. 

Thousands of them in a stadium resemble a sound not unlike a swarm of bees, and the drone was ubiquitous throughout that tournament and last summer's World Cup.

The fact that they were subsequently banned from Premier League grounds tells you all you need to know about how they were received by foreign fans, but for Africa, they remain a firm part of their footballing culture.

4. Mouse Mat

Dan Istitene/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: A general view of the stadium ahead of the npower Championship match between Crystal Palace and Scunthorpe United at Selhurst Park on April 16, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Stuck in the office all day?

Formal wear means you cant wear the club colours?

Can't even log onto football sites at work?

The mouse mat is the ultimate way to show your allegiances in the workplace or at home and appears to be increasing exponentially in popularity.  

3. Flag

Massimo Paolone / Iguana Press/Getty Images

BOLOGNA, ITALY - APRIL 10: Supporters of Napoli wave flags during the Serie A match between Bologna FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on April 10, 2011 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Massimo Paolone / Iguana Press/Getty Images)

Of all the beautiful sights in football, few can compare with a packed stadium full of flag waving fans.

Unfortunately, safety concerns mean that many grounds refuse to let the flag sticks enter the ground which has deprived some of Europe's main leagues of the magnificent spectacle.

For those who can still enjoy the privilege however, nothing greets a goal quite like thousands of flags waving in splendid unison.

2. Replica Shirt

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Stoke fans sing during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON semi final match between Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City at Wembley Stadium on April 17, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

No diehard fan turns up to a game without their favourite kit. 

As well as nailing colours to the mast, they are also a popular fashion item, evidenced from their proliferation in city centres all over the world.

No accessory is as eagerly anticipated as the design of next season's kit, and this time of year speculation is rife over possible new designs and features. 

1. Scarf

Gail Oskin/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - APRIL 9: Fans of the New England Revolution show their support before a game the Real Salt Lake at Gillette Stadium April 9, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Gail Oskin/Getty Images)

As prominent and useful on match days as on chilly mornings, the scarf is the accessory for all seasons.

It can adorn bedroom and pub walls or be worn to work and is always brandished by new signings on their unveiling.

You may get a replica kit from another side, but a scarf is always unique to the club you support.

Without a doubt, the scarf is the ultimate footballing accessory.