11 Facts Which Show That Being A Football Fan Is Serious Business

Football is a beautiful game, but it is also an intense one. The level of competition is almost second to none and it takes a lot out of the players. But it's not just the players who go through stress, it's the fans as well.

In fact researchers have determined that the stress that goes on in the body of a fan is so high while watching a football game that it could result in a heart attack! Talk about death by football. Now that would be out of the blue. But this is not some whim, it is a documented effort.

Remember the 2014 FIFA World Cup semifinal between Brazil and Germany? Yes, the one where the hosts were thrashed 7-1. Yes, it's not an occasion to remember for Brazil fans. German supporters do like to remind them of it though. But why are we bringing up this particular game?

Well an Oxford study of the saliva of fans from that game showed levels of the hormone cortisol were much higher in 'devoted fans.'

"Fans who are strongly fused with their team - that is, have a strong sense of being 'one' with their team - experience the greatest physiological stress response when watching a match," said Dr Martha Newson while speaking to BBC about the results.

"Fans who are more casual supporters also experience stress but not so extremely. It was a harrowing match - so many people stormed out sobbing," she added.

Yes, well we now know what the experts think. But what about fans themselves? Can the stress level be that high? Well, it's best to get it from the horses mouth. Here's what some of them had to say:

"It's true, the stress level does go up a lot," says Sylvester Tamang, a journalist and die-hard fan of Liverpool for several years.

"Goes up a notch if you¡¯re a Manchester United fan these days," is Basit Aijaz's take. Basit is a sports journalist who pretty much worships the beautiful game.

"I don't watch football much but I agree it's possible. Because emotions and adrenaline can overcome a person and it can result in the body malfunctioning," believes Bobins Abraham, a journalist by profession.

"No I think it's a bit far-fetched. After all, it's just a game. Yes, there's tension, but not to this level," is the opinion of Abhisek Ganguly, a software engineer.

"Football is not just a game for some people. It is a way of life. For those fans a win or loss is everything so yes the stress it causes can create problems for the body," says Avirup Dhar Ray, an IT professional.

"Yes, I definitely believe it. As a United fan, the stress of the team preserving a slim lead and closing a game out is more now -- when the team is in shambles -- vs let's say Fergie time action under Fergie. The stress was there back then as well, but it was more I guess 'happy stress' as opposed to 'dangerous stress' now," says Jayesh Shinde, a journalist.

"Depends on the age factor as well and health, but yes it is possible to be physically affected," says Srisailam Kumar who is in the Merchant Navy.

Yes being a football fan is serious business. Truth be told it is not a cakewalk. The stress is just part of the deal. So what are the issues? Let's take a look:

1. Always being on edge during or in the build-up to an important game

Be it club or country, a football fan is always on edge when it's a crucial game. It can take a toll on one emotionally and mentally especially when the result does not go your way.

2. Shutting out friends and family or ignoring social engagements because of matches

Football fanatics are known to be so engrossed in their games that they have been known to shut out loved ones as their focus is on the match totally. Sometimes when results are not good they are prone to being withdrawn and want to just be left alone.

3. Have to be committed to a team and the sport in general

Being a fan on paper is no good. But there are those who religiously plan their schedules based on when their team is playing so that they can balance life and football. One would think they themselves are taking the field.

4. Outbursts with rival supporters over little stuff

Football fanaticism has been known to cause rifts in friendships and even relationships. Especially if they happen to be fans of a rival or country. When one takes it too seriously you realise that it's not all fun and games.

5. Drawing parallels with the game in all walks of life

When you are commenting on a situation or giving a life lesson and you compare it to something related to football. Yes, if you see anyone doing this, you know that person is hooked to the beautiful game for sure.

6. Staying up at odd hours to watch a match

Yes you might have office early next morning but that will not stop you from sacrificing your sleep to watch a game of football in the night. Just shows that it is not easy being a fan of the beautiful game.

7. Keeping score even when you can't watch

Sometimes you might be missing the odd game, but hang on, it does not mean you can't keep track on your mobile. Many fans have been known to keep updates on their phone so that they are no completely in the dark.

8. Taking a holiday just to watch a game

Sometimes we take the odd holiday with the weirdest of excuses just so that we can watch a game. If someone does this well, he pretty much lives for the game.

9. Traveling long distances

People have crossed cities, countries and even continents to watch their teams in action. So being a serious fan is not a walk in the park

10. Passing on the baton

Football fans love their next generation to carry on the legacy. Many are known to groom their children at an early age to support a particular side so that the tradition continues.

11. Getting emotional about the game

How you react when someone says it's just a game is the level of your fanaticism. Hardcore fans cannot digest someone trivialising the beautiful game and are known to lash out verbally and sometimes even physically.