English abstract
This study aims to identify the reasons which prompt fans of local teams to commit acts of riots in soccer fields, as well as the social impacts and the best remedies to curb them.
Adopting the descriptive analytical approach, this study includes representative questionnaire samples filled out by 210 supporters of 7 local soccer teams at Al Rustaq Club whose number is estimated at 700 male supporters. In addition, 10 people who have direct connections with the world of soccer were interviewed. They include four players, three presidents of local soccer teams, two referees and one member of the Special Missions Unit at the Royal Oman Police.
The findings of the present study reveal that riots in the soccer matches of local teams is mainly caused by the fanaticism of the supporters, the behavior of some players, the impressionability of some referees, the state of impunity, the challenging messages exchanged by fans on social networks, the sensitivity of some matches and the overstimulation of players. Moreover, this study has found out that the main negative social impacts of riots lie in the loss of pleasure and social value of soccer, the deterioration of social relations among the fans and the increasing rate of disputes, sensitivities and divisions. The study has also found out that the intensification of awareness programs and the tightening of sanctions against riots are considered the best possible means to curb sport riots, as well as the encouragement of the fans of soccer teams to exchange cordialities and build good rapport, and the focus on youth education.
