In "Fever Pitch," Nick Hornby reflects on the nature of loyalty in football, highlighting that it is an inevitable part of being a fan rather than a moral choice. Unlike other commitments, football loyalty feels like a burden one cannot easily shed, similar to a physical imperfection. This perspective reveals that such allegiance can be claustrophobic, as fans find themselves stuck with their teams regardless of circumstances.

Hornby contrasts this unwavering loyalty in football with more flexible relationships, such as marriage. He notes that while divorce offers an exit in personal relationships, abandoning a football team seems almost inconceivable. Fans cannot indulge in infidelity with rival teams, emphasizing the rigid nature of sports loyalty, which binds individuals to their chosen clubs for life, despite any frustrations that might arise.