Manchester United's fans have been dubbed England's worst when it comes to leaving games before the full-time whistle.
The reasons as to why any supporter might make for an early exit are myriad, whether it be because the game isn't going as intended or merely to get a head-start on traffic. And plenty are capable of the crime, it seems, after 23% of Premier League fans admitted to leaving at least one game before the final whistle last season.
A new poll conducted by Betfair and YouGOV asked 1,300 football fans what they thought of supporters leaving fixtures early. This included their main motivations for doing so, which fanbases were the worst offenders and what fans thought of early leavers in general.
United's supporters were voted the worst for scarpering ahead of time, closely followed by Arsenal in second and Manchester City in third. Either success isn't enough to appease the legions following those clubs, or perhaps the high standards driven by those outfits gives many fans licence to think the team will get on fine without them.
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But the reasons for leaving perhaps weren't as predictable as some might believe, with an overwhelming 61% replying they left for some travel-related reason. The largest percentage (35%) answered they did so in order to 'beat the traffic', while another 25% said it was to begin their journey home, with many travelling fans in a bind due to scheduling.
That's only slightly less than the 30% who admitted it was because their team was losing. The Gunners were slated last season when floods of their fans were seen exiting the Emirates early during their 3-0 hammering at home to Brighton, which all but officially ended their Premier League title chase with Man City.
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“Fans no longer have to sneak out in shame – now you can swagger out of the stadium with your head held high," said Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom. "Stoppage time is set to be even more nerve-jangling and longer than ever due to new rules in force this season.
"But our new 90-minute pay-out means you can celebrate early with Betfair. Arsenal and Man United fans who head off beforethe final whistle on Sunday are in for a treat – and can still beat the traffic.”
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United have won two from two at home this season, beating Wolves and Nottingham Forest in what are sure to be two of their easier league fixtures at Old Trafford. However, any fans in attendance will have had their mettle tested after Erik ten Hag's side found themselves two down inside four minutes against the latter.
It looks like more testing times could be ahead based on those two performances, while Arsenal were also disappointed last time out when they drew 2-2 at home to Fulham. Such is the disappointment that often comes with having such lofty expectations, which will be pushed to the brink once more when United travel to north London on Sunday.
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