Sport probably plays a more important part in people’s lives in Britain than it does in most other countries. For a very large number, and this is especially true for men, it is their main form of entertainment. Millions take part in some kind of sport at least once a week. Many millions more are regular spectators and fallow one or more ports. There are hours of televised sport each week. Every newspaper, national or local, quality or popular, devotes several pages entirely to sport.
Many stadiums are very old, uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. Accidents at professional football matches led to the decision to turn the grounds of first division and premiership club into ‘all-seater’ stadiums. Fans can no longer stand, jump, shout and sway on the cheap ‘terraces’ behind the goals. It is assumed that being seated makes fans more well-behaved. It remains to be seen whether this development will turn football matches into events for whole family.