How empty stands and quiet stadiums affected the spirit and scores of the game
It feels like ages since fans last chanted “football’s coming home” in unison at Wembley Stadium. In 2020, the pandemic silenced football arenas, leaving fans, cheers, and team anthems absent from the sport. To fill the void, television networks introduced pre-recorded crowd sounds, adjustable with the click of a button, attempting to replicate the energy of live audiences.
Yet, something essential was missing. Without fans, the atmosphere fell flat, impacting the excitement and even the outcomes of matches. This past Premier League season showed how the power of a chant can sway a game’s momentum, a reminder of the irreplaceable impact fans bring to football.
