The Intersection of Football and Politics: A Look at England Fans and the Rise of Reform UK

It is the small hours of the morning in Belgrade, and outside the Red Bar, a dozen or so traveling England supporters are making themselves heard ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Serbia. Amid the usual chants echoing through the streets, a new refrain stands out: “Stop the boats, stop the boats,” they chant, along with, “Nigel Farage, we’re all voting for Reform UK.”

This seemingly jovial moment encapsulates a deeper shift within the UK’s political landscape—a shift where football, traditionally viewed as an apolitical space, is now being pulled into the tumult of cultural and political discourse.

The Rise of Reform UK

Nigel Farage, an influential and polarizing figure in British politics, has recently become a focal point for some football fans. His populist right-wing Reform Party may currently hold a fringe position in the House of Commons—boasting only five MPs out of a total of 650—but it has gained significant traction in public opinion polls. Indeed, Reform UK appears poised to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party at the next general election.

The chants in Belgrade do not imply that all England supporters align with Reform’s ideologies. They mirror the banter and rivalry of football culture, yet they signify a noteworthy trend: increasing politicization within the sport. Just four days prior, during another qualifier against Andorra at Villa Park, supporters directed chants at Starmer himself, calling him derogatory names.

The Cultural Climate of Football

Football’s recent politicization is particularly striking, echoing a period not seen since the Thatcher era of the 1980s when political conflicts deeply affected football culture. Starmer has found himself routinely targeted during international fixtures, reflecting a sentiment that transcends mere sporting rivalry.

In matches held throughout Europe, political commentary from fans has surged. While England’s manager Thomas Tuchel condemned the more visceral chants in the summer, the increasing visibility of slogans such as “Stop the Boats” suggests a hand-in-glove relationship between football and politics.

A Shift to the Right

The UK’s political environment has evidently tilted to the right, and football is arguably reflecting this cultural transition. Dr. Danny Fitzpatrick, a political historian, observes that a once-fringe far-right presence is now permeating through football grounds. “We’re not necessarily talking about extremist views,” he notes, “but there’s been a cultural shift that can be seen in football fandom.”

Reform UK, driven by nationalism and populism, aims to capitalize on this shift. Farage’s connections to former U.S. President Donald Trump further indicate an intertwining of football and political campaigns, echoing global trends in radical populism. Visuals of Farage with “Stop the Boats” flags at football matches are now common, straddling the line between sports fandom and political messaging.

Capitalizing on Football Culture

The Reform Party has employed several football-based strategies, including the launch of “Reform FC” football shirts emblazoned with “Farage 10.” These shirts, despite their blends of politics and commercialism, indicate a shift toward a more respectable perception of football fans, enabling far-right elements to find comfort in associating with the sport.

Anand Menon, a political expert, emphasizes this change, suggesting that football’s newfound respectability has created fertile ground for populist movements like Reform. “Football has gone a bit posh,” he states, noting its appeal to a broader demographic.

The Changing Dynamics of Support

Reform’s appeal within football has historically been nuanced, garnering more support from club executives than the average fan. Although Farage himself is not an ardent football fanatic, his alliance with the sport has evolved into a significant political strategy. His past desire to keep politics out of football seems paradoxical now, as his party openly fuses the two.

The narrative has shifted distinctly. Once viewed as unrespectable, football fans are becoming valuable political assets. Farage’s wish to tap into this respectability underscores how politics is increasingly being tailored to appeal to the soccer-going public, particularly amid the anxieties surrounding economic and social changes in the UK.

The Broader Political Context

The traditional stronghold of Labour among football supporters has weakened, leaving an opening for parties like Reform to capture discontent. Football, as a mirror to broader societal shifts, becomes the ground where these demographic transitions visually resonate.

The 2026 World Cup looms as a significant moment where the interplay between football, populism, and politics might further unfold. Just as Trump capitalizes on football’s popularity in the U.S., Reform seems eager to ride the same wave in the UK, albeit on a smaller scale.

Fans, Politics, and the Future

What makes this turn particularly intriguing is the apparent embrace of specific political figures by fans. Chelsea supporters chanting derogatory terms aimed at Starmer represent a notable shift; football fans are becoming more vocal and politically engaged. Echoes of the past—where political sentiments were often confined to specific fanbases—are now becoming a more widespread phenomenon.

As political expressions simmer at stadiums, the upcoming matches against Wales and Latvia may provide further clarity on how deeply entrenched these political affiliations have become among fans. With specific slogans manifesting in public spaces outside stadiums, the influence of political affiliations through football is likely to grow.

Revisiting Extremism in Football

While Reform UK may reject accusations of extremism, the use of football for political messaging invokes memories of far-right movements leveraging sport for nationalist agendas. Historically, such tactics can backfire; Farage must tread carefully to differentiate his party from extreme elements that could alienate mainstream supporters.

The backdrop of recent rallies, organized by far-right activists, situates Reform in a precarious position; their messaging and associations need to carefully navigate the complexities of fan culture, lest they invite trouble akin to past movements.

Conclusion

As the political, economic, and social landscapes shift in the UK, football is no longer just a game; it has transformed into a battleground for ideologies, reflecting broader societal changes. Whether through chants, flags, or merchandise, football fans in the UK increasingly express their political sentiments, and the implications of this trend are vast and evolving. Football’s role in the political arena is more defined than ever, raising questions about the future of both the sport and the political landscape entwined with it.