The relationship fot a fan and his/her club is indeed a strange one. As Our Gert says, if it had been anything else, you'd have dumped it years ago.
Apart from the few 'self creaming' clubs - virtually guaranteed to win somat every year or two-I reckon the rest of us must enjoy varying degrees od Sado Masochism!!
Is it habit? -well that will be interesting to see how many go back to watch when possible
Is it cameraderie? the whole match day experience that is much more than the result for so many-. That must be the case for so many because only about 10 teams have owt to celebratein any given year.
Is it a sense of belonging? easier now with social media but causes more divides than divorce!!
Is it bloody minded rivalry, getting one over the others?- there's only about 10 real 'derbies' , even fewer 2 club cities but spurious yet deep seated competitive rivalries spring up across the leagues- Brighton/Palace etc.
Whatever drives a football fan it's not logical.You don't own it, you can't affect it's performance, you have no say in it's running yet , for some, it's the most loved thing in their life, a vital part, a source of pride, loyalty and commitment that is boundless , regardless of the facts ,the performance, the standing.
Bloody Football