This idea has been thrown around quite alot: the idea that football is almost like a religion.

On August 5th the FA introduced a Respect campaign in an attempt to, among other things, tackle the abuse that referee’s and officials get during (and often after) football matches.

Lewis Hamilton reinforced his status as a British idol today in Sao Paulo as he held off a strong fight from Felipe Massa to win the Formula One Championship.
“That was the most exciting Formula One race I have ever seen.”
They were the words of Britain’s last Championship winner, Damon Hill, on Five Live as he reacted to the exhilarating end to the season.