FOOTBALL and beer drinking were once the epitomes of masculinity - well, before diving foreigners, sarong-wearing soccer celebs and low-calorie lagers got involved.

But now scientists have found that off the pitch, fans are getting roaring drunk to compensate for not being man enough to play ON it!

A study of 18-21-year-olds found those not confident in their sporting abilities tried to make up for it by drinking excessively, often leading to anti-social behaviour and traffic accidents.