Probably because northerners think they are "hardmen" and we are not.
A point often proven incorrect time and time over.
But that does not detract from the fact you football supporters have to drag insults and violence into virtually every discussion.
Kill each other in fights or crowd issues then blame everyone else because of it.
Hence a lack of interest in the game unless on a International level. (I know your going to chuck Heysel or what ever it was called into the equation, but I prefer the country games).
Also watch motor sport for the same reason but at club level also. No fights there, so children can be safely taken and not worried about.
I await the usual excuses.