Why are football (soccer) fans so insanely passionate?

[freestown7]

Why are football (soccer) fans so insanely passionate?

[The15thMember]

I'm not a soccer fan, so I can't comment personally, but I think that one of the reasons is that soccer is really the only major sport in a lot of countries.  Essentially all the sports fans in these areas are soccer fans by default, and I think this causes a stronger uniting effect amongst the fans, as they all support the same sport and in many cases the same team.  And when one fanbase is insane, the others get insane as well to prove that they are just as good of a team and as supportive of a fanbase.  That's my theory anyway.   

[Michael Bush]

Because they are insane?

[Skeggley]

I player soccer as a child and loved it.
I watch European teams playing now on tv and see players writhing on the ground in immense pain after being touched near the leg only to get up and play on after the stretcher comes out. No goal games, draws, segregated crowds ridiculous salaries. Yawn.
It?s just a game.