England fans have seemingly added a new dimension to the intersection of football and politics, with chants targeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer becoming a recurring theme at matches. This phenomenon marks a departure from traditional terrace songs and raises questions about the evolving role of football fandom in expressing political sentiment.

The chants, often to the tune of "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes, have been heard at various England games, including those played in Birmingham and Belgrade. The lyrics, simple and direct, leave little room for interpretation, making Starmer the target of widespread disapproval among a section of England supporters.

Barney Ronay notes the shift in the content of England fans' songs, with traditional chants about the IRA and "Ten German Bombers" being replaced by insults directed at the Prime Minister. Ronay suggests that Starmer has inadvertently achieved a peculiar goal: silencing old offensive songs, only to be replaced by chants about himself.

The emergence of these chants coincides with a period of political tension and social unrest in both England and its neighboring countries. During a match in Belgrade, Serbian fans also voiced their discontent with their own president, Aleksandar Vucic, highlighting a broader trend of football stadiums becoming platforms for political expression.

While the exact reasons behind the chants remain open to interpretation, several factors may be contributing to this phenomenon. Firstly, football fandom often provides a sense of collective identity and belonging, and these chants could be a way for fans to express their shared grievances or frustrations with the current political climate. Secondly, the accessibility and virality of social media may be amplifying these chants, turning them into a form of protest that extends beyond the stadium. Finally, the chants could simply be a reflection of the deep-seated cynicism and distrust that many people feel towards politicians in general.

Whatever the reasons, the rise of anti-Starmer chants among England fans is a notable development that highlights the complex relationship between football, politics, and popular culture. It remains to be seen whether this trend will continue or fade away, but it serves as a reminder that football stadiums are not just places for entertainment; they can also be spaces for political expression and social commentary.