We’ve come down with a fresh case of World Cup fever, meaning millions of Brits will be sat down in front of their TV watching England and Scotland do battle – but that comes with risks
Brits’ worst football-watching offences have been revealed – and it’s blocking the television that comes out top.
With households across the country set for a summer of elation, drama and remote-control rows as the World Cup returns, new research has uncovered exactly what gets you a red card.
Obstructing the TV was an instant send off for 44%, with changing channels mid-match (34%) and shouting out the score before others had seen it (30%) close behind, according to the survey by EDF.
Other at-home viewing habits still worthy of a yellow card included taking phone calls during the game (33%), seat theft while someone’s in the loo (28%), and repeating the same opinion over and over again (27%).
The research also found that 66% of UK homes expect a “matchday divide”, with football fans and non-fans at odds over how to spend 90 minutes of prime-time viewing.
One of those in a household so football mad it may need a referee is former Lioness and broadcaster Anita Asante.
“Match days are full-on in our house, the big game is on the main TV and I’m defending the remote like I’m back in the starting eleven,” she says. “I’ve got multi-view running to keep track across every fixture and player stat.
“Between powering multiple screens and fuelling up with air fryer snacks, the household is operating at full capacity until the final whistle. And now, with a toddler in the mix, I’m excited to build new matchday rituals and create those memories together as a family.”
For those who have avoided catching football fever, almost a fifth (17%) will leave the room while matches are on, using the time to watch something on a separate device (36%), enjoy some online shopping (21%) or wash and dry their hair (17%)
While one in three (33%) plan on staying in the same room as their footie-loving companions, one in five (21%) will game online or use headphones to block out the noise (18%).
Around 65% of non-footie fans admit they would rather use the time to tackle household tasks such as washing (41%), cooking (32%), or baking (19%) than sit through a full match.
And with an estimated 34 million England and Scotland football fans planning to watch their team play this summer, 73% believe match time could drive up their overall home electricity usage.
To help keep everyone happy, EDF is giving customers two hours of free electricity during every England and Scotland football game this summer.
Joe Souto, director of retail at EDF, added: “Nothing brings the house together quite like a major tournament, and we can’t wait to help customers get behind the home nations this summer with two hours of free electricity for every game.
“So whether you’re cheering on your team, adopting a second nation for the summer, or simply tuning out and doing anything but watching the football, everyone can enjoy the savings, and how you use it, well, that’s up to you!”
To gain access to two hours of free electricity for every home nation game this summer, EDF customers can sign up now on the website.
REF! THE OFFENCES THAT WILL GET YOU A RED CARD…
1. Blocking the view of the TV (44%)
2. Changing channel mid-match (34%)
3. Announcing the results before others see it (30%)
4. Unplugging the TV or router to charge another device (29%)
5. Streaming delays (23%)
… AND A YELLOW ONE
1. Receiving a phone call mid-match (33%)
2. Someone stealing your seat when you’ve popped to the loo (28%)
3. Repeating the same opinion over and over (27%)
4. Running commentary throughout the entire game (26%)
5. Spilled drinks during celebrations (22%)