Football fans are said to be the lifeblood of any football club. And while that may be becoming less and less the case as top-level football continues to morph into more of a business than a sport, supporters are not willing to give up what they believe is their right to voice their opinions about their teams — for better or for worse.

Poor performances, questionable management, ownership issues and other factors often spark debates among fans that can sometimes spiral out of control. Combine that with the often heated and hostile interactions between rival fanbases, and it’s safe to say football can sometimes be quite a toxic place. With that in mind, ChatGPT has shared its thoughts on who it believes are the most toxic football supporters in the English game.

10 Newcastle United

The Toon Army have been criticised

What AI had to say: “An incredibly passionate base, but recent tribalism around the Saudi ownership has brought international criticism. Some fans fiercely attack critics of the owners or team, including journalists and fellow supporters.”

There is no doubt that the AI has hit the nail on the head when describing Newcastle fans as passionate. St James’ Park can be a very hostile place when things are going wrong for the Magpies — just ask Mike Ashley. However, it can also be the most supportive stadium in English football when the players in black and white stripes give the fans something to cheer about. Their trophy parade following the Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool was proof of that.

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9 Portsmouth

Pompey are historically not to be messed with

What the AI said: Once home to one of the most violent firms, the 6.57 Crew. Still a fiercely loyal but occasionally aggressive fanbase, especially during south coast derbies.

It has been some time since Portsmouth have seen top-flight football. They were relegated from the Premier League in 2010, the same year they were forced into administration. Since then, they have fallen all the way down to League Two, and fans have certainly not been afraid to voice their displeasure at times. As for the 6.57 Crew, they were more active in the 1980s, but their reputation still lives on.

8 Crystal Palace

The Holmesdale Fanatics are cited as one of the reasons for Palace’s entry

What AI said: “Holmesdale Fanatics bring a unique “ultra” culture to England, but it’s had flashpoints of hostility. Clashes with the club’s hierarchy and confrontational supporter behaviour.”

Most Crystal Palace fans will be incredibly happy with the club’s current state of play — a first trophy in history, a manager who plays exciting football, and some supremely talented players. That’s all well and good now, but in the past, things have had a tendency to turn nasty with some of the most hardened supporters of the Eagles. It is for that reason why AI has snuck them into eighth place.

7 Liverpool

Anfield’s reputation doesn’t save Liverpool supporters

What AI said: “Extremely tribal online. Accused of excessive defensiveness and harassment toward critics. Accusations of whataboutism, hostility toward pundits or players with even mild criticism of the club.”

Forget asking AI — it would be interesting to see what Trent Alexander-Arnold would have to say about Liverpool fans right now. The Kop is fiercely loyal to those representing its colours, but the moment they feel as though they have been betrayed, they are quick to unleash their wrath. There may be no city in the United Kingdom with a voice quite as strong as those from Merseyside, but that can be both a blessing and a curse.

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6 Arsenal

Criticism of Gunners supporters dates back further than AFTV

What AI said: “Infighting, endless cycles of toxic debate especially post-Wenger era. ArsenalFanTV and similar channels thrive on outrage. Divisive views on managers and players often spiral into abuse.”

Again, Arsenal fans are probably far happier with where their club is currently than they were five years ago — even if they and their manager sometimes border on delusional with some of their takes. But the point about the toxicity surrounding ArsenalFanTV, now AFTV, when it had its first major boom during the latter years of Arsene Wenger’s reign, is a fair assessment. It certainly caused a massive divide at the time, even if it was a game-changer for fans being able to use their own platforms to make an impact.

5 Manchester United

Protests have become the norm at Old Trafford

What AI said: “One of the most vocal and divisive online fanbases.” Entitlement, relentless online harassment of players (especially when results dip), constant manager wars (e.g., Ole in/out).”

Interestingly, the AI doesn’t seem to reference the main bee in Manchester United fans’ bonnet in recent years — the ownership of the club. Perhaps even artificial intelligence is Glazer/INEOS out. However, it does feel that the United faithful do create some toxicity with their response to players and managers, and given how far the club has declined, it is at least understandable to see where their frustrations stem from.

4 Chelsea

‘Modern toxicity’ was a term used by the AI

What AI said: Historical association with far-right groups and hooligan firms (Headhunters). Racism incidents (e.g., Paris Metro 2015), tribalism online, and sometimes entitled fan behavior due to success.

The AI has gone slightly more specific with regards to its critique of Chelsea fans — and it’s easy to understand why. The Paris Metro incident was a particularly dark time for the reputation of Blues supporters, and other controversies before and after mean that there will always be a certain portrayal, whether reflective of the majority of supporters or not, that Stamford Bridge may never fully shake.

3 West Ham United

Fan arrests are common at the London Stadium

What AI said: The Inter City Firm (ICF) legacy still lingers. Modern fans remain known for hostility, particularly online and in London derbies. Violence against rival fans (Millwall, Spurs), racial abuse cases, and intense online aggression.”

Arguably the most notorious fans in the Premier League at the time of writing, Upton Park was the sort of place where you would go to watch gritty football — and often gritty behaviour in the stands too. While the Inner City Firm may not be as prevalent as it was in the late 20th century, Hammers fans still have a tough time abiding by the law.

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2 Leeds United

Elland Road hosts some of the most vocal supporters

What AI said: “Aggressive history with the Leeds United Service Crew. Passionate, often confrontational. Extremely hostile at away matches and on social media. Long-standing rivalries fuelled by intense behaviour.”

The golden years of Leeds United under Don Revie were fuelled by ill-discipline and accusations of misconduct and mistreatment on the field of play. Therefore, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise to see that very same methodology spread across its fanbase. Again, for all the criticism Leeds fans get, when they take someone in and see them ingratiate themselves in the city — like Marcelo Bielsa — there is no other group you’d want backing your corner.

1 Millwall

The reputation of Millwall fans supercedes that of the club

What AI said: “Decades-long reputation for violence, racism, and hooliganism. “No one likes us, we don’t care” isn’t just a chant — it’s a brand. Upton Park Riot (2009), Luton riot (1985), ongoing clashes with police and rival fans.”

They were already mentioned in the West Ham section, but Millwall take top spot according to AI when it comes to the most toxic fanbase. Perhaps the fact they are still in the lower leagues of the game adds to the raw nature of its supporters. However, to suggest that re-entering the more polished top flight would change anything is likely a little far-fetched.

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