What is a claque?
Q: What is a claque?
A: A claque is a small group of people in an opera house who deliberately either clap loudly or shout boo for a particular singer.
Q: How did the 19th century use claques?
A: In the 19th century, someone who liked one of the singers and wanted them to have lots of applause would pay a group of people to sit near the back of the opera house and to clap and shout enthusiastically whenever that singer had finished a song. This would encourage the rest of the audience to clap loudly too. Sometimes, they would be paid to do the opposite and hiss and boo when the singer had sung.
Q: What happened if a singer refused to pay money to the claque?
A: If a singer refused to pay money to the claque, they would hiss during their singing as an act of blackmail.
Q: How are football matches similar?
A: Groups of supporters at football ('soccer') matches do much in terms of applauding or jeering certain players without being paid like in an opera house. Abuse between rival groups of fans is also common. Clubs are required to keep away fans in different sections from home fans.
Q: What kind of abuse occurs at football matches?
A: Abuse at football matches includes abuse towards match officials as well as between rival groups of fans.
Q: Are there any measures taken against this type of behaviour?
A: Yes, clubs are required to keep away fans in different sections from home fans in order prevent this type behaviour from occurring.
