Football supporters have had their say on the funniest chants – with an ode to Peter Crouch coming top. “He’s big, he’s red, his feet stick out the bed” dates back to the six-foot-six star’s Liverpool career, where he played from 2005 to 2008.
Second spot went to “When you’re sat in row Z, and the ball hits your head, that’s Zamora” – an affectionate tribute to ex-West Ham striker Bobby Zamora, set to Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore”.
And “Chelsea, wherever you may be, keep your wife from John Terry” came third – a dig at the former Stamford Bridge captain, after his affair with the partner of then teammate Wayne Bridge.
The research was commissioned by CopyBet.com, which has also created a quiz featuring a series of questions on classic terrace anthems past and present.
The poll of 2,000 adults, who watch football, found humour (61 percent) and banter (42 percent) are key characteristics to a “good” chant.
And 81 percent reckon chants as a crucial part of the atmosphere at live matches.
A spokesman for the betting platform said: “Football fans never miss a chance to enjoy some banter at the expense of their rivals.
“As the study shows, chants are integral to the live match experience – and a fascinating, enduring link between the modern game and eras gone by.
“And while spectators of other sports do enjoy a good song when cheering on their teams, football fans are on another level.”
Other chants in the top 10 include “Stand up if you pay your tax” – a chant aimed at Harry Redknapp after he was investigated for tax fraud.
And “Your teeth are offside” is about controversial ex-Liverpool star Luiz Suarez and his prominent gnashers – although he hasn’t helped himself, having bitten several opposition players.
When it comes to more traditional terrace songs, “You’re not singing anymore”, “Sacked in the morning, you’re getting sacked in the morning”, and “Who ate all the pies?” came top.
These were followed by “Que sera sera, whatever will be, will be, we’re going to Wembley”, and “You only sing when you’re winning” – something 29 percent of fans admit they do.
Of the 72 percent of supporters who enjoy a good sing when watching football, most (53 percent) “always” or “often” do so when cheering on their side live in the stadium.
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However, 22 percent “always” or “often” belt out a few numbers when enjoying a match down the pub, and 28 percent even do so when watching football on the TV.
The study, carried out through OnePoll, found Liverpool fans create the best atmosphere in the Premier League, followed by Manchester United and Newcastle United.
And in Scotland, it’s the Celtic fans who generate the best atmosphere at games, followed by Glasgow rivals Rangers, and then Aberdeen.
The best club anthem, according to those polled, also went to Liverpool and Celtic, with “You’ll Never Walk Alone” most popular with fans.
Following close behind in second place was “Glory Glory Man United”, while Stoke’s “Delilah” secured third place.
The spokesman for CopyBet.com added: “Music – whether it’s through chants, through club anthems, through walk-out music, or even when goals are scored – plays a major role in football.
“This study just touches on the influence both have upon one another. While the game continues to develop and advance, football chants show no signs of ever dying out, and remain a popular element of the matchday experience for fans.”
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