Soccer and disaster

Paul Darby, Martin Johnes, Gavin Mellor

Routledge Chapman & Hall, 2005 - Sports & Recreation - 193 pages

The word disaster is much used in the world of soccer - conceding a penalty, a sending off, an untimely defeat. Comparing these with real life disasters puts things into perspective and the results of the games become insignificant. Soccer is not more important than life or death!

For the first time, real life tragedies in the world of soccer are explored in one volume. From the loss of life of talented young players in the Munich and Zambian air disasters to fatal overcrowding at Hillsborough and Moscow. During the history of the game, fans and players alike have been the victims of negligence, complacency and misfortune. The causes, consequences and legacies of these and other disasters are examined in this book that reveals frightening parallels and important lessons.

A powerful book suitable for students of sociology, sports studies and social history.

This volume was previously published as a special issue of the journal Sport in the Global Society.

About the author

Martin Johnes is a lecturer in sports studies at St. Martin's College in Lancaster. He is the author of "Soccer and Society,"

Bibliographic information

• Title: Soccer and disaster; Sport in the global society
• Editors: Paul Darby, Martin Johnes, Gavin Mellor
• Contributors: Paul Darby, Martin Johnes, Gavin Mellor
• Publisher: Routledge Chapman & Hall, 2005
• ISBN: 0714682896, 9780714682891
• Length: 193 pages
• Subjects: Sports & Recreation / Soccer