Racist chants in contemporary English Premier League : A study of English football supporters’ racist language

Abstract

This thesis explores the English supporter culture in contemporary English Premier League, focusing on racist football chants. It discusses why selected football supporters or groups choose to express racist content when they chant. Relevant theories concerning culture and language have been used to lay a foundation for analysing selected chants and discussing supporters’ behavioural acts during matchdays. This thesis focuses on different chants where one can find racist content. The following four footballclubs have been chosen, based on their supporters’ involvement in racist chanting: Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.