The Most Disliked Football Clubs in British Football | A Study of Rivalries and Resentment

British football is renowned for its passion, rivalries, and traditions, which together fuel some of the most fervent fanbases in the world. With these rivalries, however, comes animosity – certain clubs are disliked by many, often beyond their immediate rivals. This dislike can stem from sustained success, controversial moments, or even cultural differences between fanbases. Here’s a closer look at some of the most disliked clubs in British football and why they inspire such strong feelings.

Manchester United

Why They’re Disliked:
As one of the most successful clubs in English football history, Manchester United has long been a target for rival fans. During Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure, the club’s dominance in the Premier League made them a lightning rod for envy and animosity. Fans of other clubs often accuse United of benefiting from favourable treatment by referees, a perception that fuelled the “Fergie time” myth.
Who Dislikes Them:
Fans of nearly every other Premier League club harbour resentment, with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Leeds United leading the charge.

Chelsea

Why They’re Disliked:
Chelsea’s transformation under Roman Abramovich, with his infusion of wealth in 2003, turned the club into a powerhouse almost overnight. Critics deride the “buying success” approach, which coincided with a brashness often associated with the club’s fans. Controversial players like Diego Costa and John Terry also contributed to Chelsea’s unpopularity.
Who Dislikes Them:
Tottenham, Arsenal, and Manchester United fans hold particular disdain for Chelsea, but they’re also loathed across Europe.

Liverpool

Why They’re Disliked:
Liverpool’s historic success, combined with the passion of their supporters, often divides opinion. Fans of other clubs sometimes accuse Liverpool supporters of “living in the past” due to their constant reference to historic triumphs, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. Off-field tragedies, like the Hillsborough disaster, have been shamefully mocked by rival fans, further deepening tensions.
Who Dislikes Them:
Manchester United, Everton, and Chelsea supporters are especially vocal in their disdain, though Liverpool’s global fanbase ensures they’ve plenty of admirers as well.

Leeds United

Why They’re Disliked:
Leeds United’s historical reputation as a tough, physical side under Don Revie in the 1960s and 1970s earned them the nickname “Dirty Leeds.” Their fans’ boisterousness, combined with the club’s periods of financial instability and controversial ownership, added to the dislike.
Who Dislikes Them:
Manchester United and Chelsea fans, as well as Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town, maintain a long-standing antipathy toward Leeds.

Millwall

Why They’re Disliked:
Millwall’s reputation is tied to its fanbase, often stereotyped as aggressive and unruly. While this is an oversimplification, incidents of hooliganism in the past have cemented Millwall’s notoriety. The chant “No one likes us, we don’t care” has become a badge of honour for their supporters.
Who Dislikes Them:
West Ham United fans top the list, but Millwall’s abrasive reputation ensures that they’re widely unpopular across the footballing community.

Rangers

Why They’re Disliked:
In Scotland, Rangers is a polarising force due to its association with Unionism and Protestantism, fuelling one of the fiercest rivalries in world football with Celtic. The club’s financial collapse and subsequent relegation to the lower leagues in 2012 also sparked controversy and schadenfreude among rivals.
Who Dislikes Them:
Celtic fans are the most obvious detractors, but fans of Aberdeen and Hibernian also harbour resentment.

Celtic

Why They’re Disliked:
Celtic, like Rangers, is deeply tied to the political and religious tensions in Scotland, representing Irish Catholicism. Their dominance in the Scottish Premiership has also led to accusations of creating a “one-team league” when Rangers were absent from the top tier.
Who Dislikes Them:
Rangers fans lead the opposition, but many fans of smaller Scottish clubs resent Celtic’s dominance and influence.

Tottenham Hotspur

Why They’re Disliked:
Spurs are often derided for their inability to consistently convert potential into trophies, earning the unflattering moniker of “bottlers” and something being “Spursy” from rival fans. Their attempts to position themselves among England’s elite have invited ridicule, especially from Arsenal supporters.
Who Dislikes Them:
Arsenal, Chelsea, and West Ham fans have long targeted Spurs with vitriol.

West Ham United

Why They’re Disliked:
West Ham’s move from Upton Park to the London Stadium was criticised by fans across the league, particularly due to the public funds involved. The club’s perceived entitlement to a place among the Premier League’s elite also grates on rival fans.
Who Dislikes Them:
Millwall, Tottenham, and Chelsea supporters are among those with the most disdain for West Ham.

Newcastle United

Why They’re Disliked:
Newcastle’s recent Saudi-backed takeover has drawn criticism over sportswashing and human rights concerns. The fervour of their fanbase, often seen as overly optimistic despite the club’s lack of recent success, has also annoyed rival fans.
Who Dislikes Them:
Sunderland fans top the list, but many neutral supporters question Newcastle’s rapid rise to wealth and prominence.

The animosity directed toward these clubs is often rooted in football’s deep-seated rivalries and tribalism. While being disliked can sometimes tarnish a club’s reputation, it’s also a sign of relevance. After all, in football, if you’re not hated by someone, you might not be doing enough to matter.

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