6. Get the whole team involved: children too can feel neglected. Make the big matches family events. Encourage the children to watch games, dress in the colours of your team or paint your faces.

Children will love being part of the event and sharing something with their parents. Plan a football dinner or even a party. Decorate the house in your team colours and invite other footballing friends, widows and families over too.

7: Don't cry foul: dirty play and dramatics is no more appreciated off the pitch than on. Whatever you do, don't try to win back your partner's affection by using tactics like temper tantrums, sulks, threats, and pulling the plug on the television.

Do that, says Glick, and you may find yourself taking an early bath alone and may even force your partner to seek refuge at more welcoming venues such as a friend's house or bars.

The secret is not to worry. If your relationship is good you have nothing to fear from your partner's other love. "It can only become a problem if you are insecure," Glick said. "You should accept it as being part of that person. Take a deep breath and be relieved that his other mistress is only football." Now try telling that to a football fan. 

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