Let's not even bother looking at the viewing figures for Songs of Praise , religion doesn't even come close to football in this country. Of course there are many other religions in the UK but for most a declining pattern is emerging. The Roman Catholic Church would appear to be suffering the most. This is thought to stem from some of the Vatican's more controversial views - modern society sees the restriction of the distribution of condoms in the third world due to religious dogma as a crime against humanity in the light of the AIDS epidemic. That football is more popular than religion in many countries is fairly obvious.
Fans worship every weekend in venues where they engage in communal singing.
Heroes are praised with chants of 'We're not worthy'. Rival fans are very intolerant of each other, just as followers of different faiths can be, and conflict often erupts. For example, Italy's Serie A is currently descending into a chaotic mix of racism, violence and corruption. Three teams - Napoli, Reggina, and Vicenza have been ordered to play home games away from their stadiums as a punishment for their fans' violent behaviour. Stoning, petrol bombing, stabbings and rioting have become regular features of Italian matches this season.