62% say extra time or penalties drama makes tournament football better!
Apparently, we’re all masochists now.
New research from Paddy Power has confirmed what we all suspected: football fans love the drama – even if it sends their blood pressure through the roof.
According to a survey of 2,000 Brits by the bookmaker, 18% of respondents say they actively prefer it when international tournament games go to extra time or penalties, while 44% said they like the drama sometimes, depending on the game. Yes, really. Even after England’s Women’s Euros Final win on penalties put the entire nation through the emotional wringer, fans are crying out for more of it.
Whether it’s penalty shootouts, last-minute screamers or heart-stopping VAR decisions, fans apparently can’t get enough of what doctors officially call “90 more minutes of sheer bloody agony”.
Paddy Power spokesperson said: “We always knew England fans were gluttons for punishment, but now it’s official. They’d rather have their nerves shredded than breeze through 3-0. Frankly, we blame the Netflix generation – too many plot twists, not enough routine wins.”
With thanks to Paddy Power
