The globalization of sport spectatorship increasingly exposes domestic fans to interactions with foreigners; however, little is known about how such encounters shape their intergroup emotions and prosocial behaviors. Drawing on social identity theory and cross‑categorization theory, this study investigates how sport fans evaluate and help foreigners. In an online vignette experiment, 885 sport fans were randomly assigned to one of six scenarios combining situational context (in-venue vs. out-of-venue) and the foreign individual’s team affiliation (ingroup, outgroup, unspecified). Feeling‑thermometer and willingness to help served as dependent variables, with demographics controlled. Analyses of covariance showed that foreigners who supported the respondent’s team were evaluated more warmly than rival or unspecified foreigners; however, helping intentions were equally high toward ingroup and outgroup supporters and significantly lower when affiliation was unknown. These findings highlight the primacy of shared fan identity in shaping affect while suggesting a common identity that can override rivalry in behavioral responses.

View full abstract