Fans identify with their team. The noble side of that is support and loyalty, the bad side is wining/losing = happy or sad.

So how do you cope when your team had a disappointing season, signs of immediate success aren't obvious, outside consensus is harsh yet you don't want to be disloyal . . .

Blame the coaches!! If things turn out good, everyone is happy and forgets the negativity. If things turn out bad, your feelings are somewhat protected, you have a scapegoat.