Pitch Fever: Swedish Football and the Politics of Grass

This chapter explores moral and ethical discussions that emerged in Sweden when the number of artificial grass pitches rose substantially. Based on research in the Swedish top-tier football league, named Allsvenskan, I shall present conflicting discourses that appear whenever grass is considered. The grass discussions often take a wider, political turn and reflect attitudes towards developments in modern football. The main problem, as perceived by supporters, is the growing number of artificial pitches. In spite of strong critical voices, green plastic carpets keep being rolled out around Sweden. Thus, grass has become a point of pride, protest and almost ideological fight against an elusive enemy of traditional football, as artificial pitches are seen by many as harmful for Swedish football. While tracing the grass discussions, I shall focus on the broader social meanings ascribed to grass and conflicts revolving around it.