Supporting the losing team causes fans to binge on fatty, sugar-laden food following a defeat

When the chips are down for a sports team, chips are on the menu for their fans, according to a study.

Researchers found supporters tended to gorge on junk food on the day following a defeat, while those revelling in victory were more likely to eat healthy foods.

The inhabitants of a beaten team’s home city ate on average 16 per cent more saturated fat than usual and 10 per cent more calories. Those who lived in the winning city consumed 9 per cent less saturated fat and 5 per cent fewer calories.