A new study has exposed the most inappropriate places football fans have checked the scores – with a third admitting the World Cup this summer takes priority over anything else.
A poll of 2,000 sports fans found more than a quarter admitted they’ve sneakily kept tabs on a match in an inappropriate environment, with 17% even doing so on a date. Others who are guilty of this have slyly glanced at their phones whilst out at the supermarket (30%), during a family meal (29%) and even while at another sports event (22%).
The office remains the top place people secretly set up a second screen to watch a game (48%), but 25% have pushed their luck by watching a game during the speeches at a wedding.
Wilkin Lee, a spokesperson for Motorola which commissioned the research, said: “This highlights just how far fans will go to stay connected to the action, even if the timing couldn’t be worse.
“Whether it’s a quick score check or tuning in for a few minutes, people are determined not to miss the big moments when they’re meant to be fully present elsewhere.
“While there’s a time and a place, it shows how much live sport has become a part of people’s routines.”
Of those polled, 86% said it was important for them to stay connected to a specific team, event or match and said it was to be able to watch the game live. A quarter have even changed or cancelled social plans so they could watch a sports game.
Four in 10 admitted that when a sporting event is on and they are unable to watch it, they struggle to think about anything else.
Football was the most streamed sport on mobile and 62% said if their team made the final there is nothing that would stop them from watching that match and with the football World Cup starting this summer, 35% said watching it will take priority over their job and social life.
While 21% only plan on watching games involving their national team, 28% are planning to catch every match. Nearly three in 10 (28 per cent) will be staying up late to catch the games, while 28 per cent will do a combination of this and early morning wake ups.
Wilkin Lee for Motorola, the official smartphone partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM, global smartphone partner of Formula 1, and official partner of Ducati Corse, added: “With a huge summer of sport ahead and so many matches kicking off outside of normal hours, fans are finding creative ways to stay on top of the scores.
“We’re all about helping fans watch, capture, and share every moment.
“Having a reliable phone and a strong connection means they can keep up with the action wherever they are.”
TOP 10 PLACES PEOPLE HAVE SNEAKILY CHECKED THE FOOTBALL SCORES:
- At work/in the office
- In the supermarket
- During a family meal
- At another live sports event
- At the beach
- At a wedding
- During a birthday party
- At the gym
- Cinema
- In a public bathroom