“SWAP NATIONALITIES ASAP!”: How Moral Outrage and Empathetic Anger Affect Social Identity After Leadership Disappointment

This study applies social identity theory alongside the concepts of moral outrage and empathetic anger to examine fans’ responses to Favour Ofili’s exclusion from the 2024 Paris Olympics due to administrative failures by Nigerian officials. Although previous research has examined responses to athletes’ on- and off-field controversies, limited studies in the field of sport communication have explored reactions to social identity threats created by leaders. Notably, no research has applied social identity theory alongside the concepts of moral outrage and empathetic anger in this context. Findings reveal that institutional failures may disrupt a group’s allegiances and reshape social identity. A model is then proposed to detail how groups respond to leadership threats. This work adds to communication and sport research by illustrating how fans use social media to express the effects of social identity threats on their loyalty and self-concept while also sharing opinions and support for their favorite athlete.