Abstract
This article analyses the debate among Everton supporters concerning their football club's proposed move from Goodison Park to a location outside the City of Liverpool. The debate is used as a case study to assess the balance of forces among supporters regarding their accommodation or resistance to commodification. On the basis of evidence drawn from extensive analysis of Everton fan Internet forums, we conclude that any thesis concerning a generalized and widespread commodification of football supporters should be viewed with caution. The article sets itself against the tendency towards assuming either the inexorable process of commodification or resistance to this process, and suggests that the reality in any given circumstance may be somewhat more complex and nuanced.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 553-572 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Soccer and Society |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Sep 2010 |
Keywords
- commodification
- sociology
- football supporters