Ultras

Ultras are a type of association football fans who are renowned for their fanatical support. The term originated in Italy but it is used worldwide to describe predominantly organised fans of association football teams. The behavioural tendency of ultras groups includes their use of flares (primarily in tifo choreography), vocal support in large groups and the displaying of banners at football stadiums, all of which are designed to create an atmosphere which encourages their own team and intimidates the opposing players and their supporters. The frequent use of elaborate displays in stadiums is also common.

Ultras of Levski Sofia
Ultras of Lazio

The actions of ultras groups are occasionally extreme and they may be influenced by political ideologies such as conservatism, socialism, or views on racism, which range from avowedly nationalist to anti-fascist.[1] In some instances, this goes to the point where the passionate and loyal support of one's team becomes secondary to the theoretical ideology of the ultras phenomenon.[2] In recent decades, the culture has become a focal point for the movement against the commercialisation of sports and football in particular.[3]

History

The origin of the ultras movement is disputed,[4] with many supporters groups from various countries making claims solely on the basis of their dates of foundation. The level of dispute and confusion is aided by a contemporary tendency (mainly in Europe) to categorise all groups of overtly fanatical supporters as ultras. Supporters groups of a nature comparable to the ultras have been present in Brazil since 1939, when the first torcida organizada was formed (although these groups began to focus on violence in the 1970s). Inspired by the torcidas and the colourful scenes of the 1950 World Cup, supporters of Hajduk Split formed Torcida Split on 28 October 1950.[5] The group is often cited as the oldest torcida style group in Europe. But the first supporters' groups in the world formed to produce violence were barras bravas, originated in Argentina in the 1950s.

One country closely associated with the ultras movement is Italy.[4][6] The first Italian ultras groups were formed in 1951, including the Fedelissimi Granata of Torino. The 1960s saw the continuing spread and development of the culture with the formation of the Fossa dei Leoni and Boys San groups, the former often regarded in Italy as the first full-fledged ultras group (associated with violence). The term ultras was used as a name for the first time in 1969 when supporters of Sampdoria formed the Ultras Tito Cucchiaroni and fans of Torino formed the Ultras Granata. The style of support that would become synonymous with Italian football developed most during the 1970s as more groups formed including the radical S.S. Lazio Ultras in 1974 with a strong predominance of fascist slogans and chants amongst other groups such as Hellas Verona supporters. The active support of the ultras became more apparent, in contrast with the "traditional" culture, choreographic displays, signature banners and symbols, giant flags, drums and fireworks became the norm as groups aimed to take their support to higher levels.[7] The decade also saw the violence and unrest of Italian society at the time overlap with the ultras movement, adding a dimension that has plagued it ever since.[8] The ultras movement spread across Europe, Australia, Asia and North Africa during the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, starting with the countries geographically closest to Italy.[9]

Europe

United Kingdom

Green Brigade are an ultras group that follow Celtic F.C. and regularly make tifo displays and often voice support for a United Ireland and Free Palestine. On the other side of Glasgow are the Rangers F.C ultra group The Union Bears.[10] In England there are ultras groups at Crystal Palace F.C. (Holmesdale Fanatics) Leicester City F.C (Union FS) and Huddersfield Town F.C.[11][12][13] Several Non-League football teams in England have ultras groups that are left-wing, anti-fascist, anti-racist and anti-sexist such as the fans of Dulwich Hamlet F.C. that have a group called the ComFast Chapter who are openly communist.[14][15] A Vice article claims the anti-communists Casuals United is at war with anti-fascist football ultras and have come into conflict with the Clapton Ultras and had already caused the disbandment of the anti-EDL Inter Village Firm that followed Mangotsfield United.[16][17]

Hungary

Hungarian ultras usually sit in B central. The national team's ultras name the Carpathian Brigade. Many clubs have large number of ultras like Ferencváros (Green Monsters), Újpest (Viola Fidelity), Diósgyőr (Ultras Diósgyőr), Honvéd (Ultras Kispest, Északi Kanyar), Fehérvár (Red Blue Devils) and Debrecen (Szívtiprók Ultras Debrecen).

Portugal

No Name Boys in 2008
Stadium Club Name
Estádio do DragãoFC Porto- Super Dragões
- Colectivo Ultras 95
Estádio do BessaBoavista FC- Panteras Negras
Estádio da LuzSL Benfica- Diabos Vermelhos
- No Name Boys
Estádio José AlvaladeSporting CP- Juventude Leonina
- Torcida Verde
- Directivo Ultras XXI
- Brigada Ultras Sporting
Estádio D. Afonso HenriquesVitória SC- White Angels

Africa

Algeria

Stadium Club Name
July 5, 1962 StadiumMC Alger-Ultras the Twelfth Player 2011
- Ultras Green Corsaires 2012
- Ultras Squalo Verde 2019
-Ultras Amore E Montalita 2019
Stade 20 Août 1955,
Skikda
JSM Skikda- Ultras Senza Confine 13
- Ultras Ouled Russicada 2015
Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium,
Constantine
CS Constantine- Ultras Loca Ragazzi 2010
- Ultras Green Army 2012
April 13, 1958 Stadium,
Saida
MC Saida

- Ultras Méga Boys 2007

August 20, 1955 Stadium (Algiers),
CR Belouizdad

- Ultras Fanatic Reds 09

Stade 8 Mai 1945,
Setif
ES Setif- Ultras Inferno 10
Stade Omar Hamadi,
USM Alger- Groupe Ouled El Bahdja
Ahmed Zabana Stadium,
Oran
MC Oran- Ultras Red Castle 2011
- Ultras Leones Rey 2009
Maghrebi Unity StadiumMO Bejaia- Ultras Granchio 09
- Ultras Saldae Kings 2010
- Ultras Free Men 15
May 19, 1956 StadiumUSM Annaba- Les indepandants de bone 12
- Ultras Sparta Rosso 2015
November 1, 1954 Stadium (Tizi Ouzou)
JS Kabylie- Ultras Kabylie Boys 09
- Ultras The Leader 2013
- Ultras Samba Boys 2013
August 20, 1955 Stadium (Algiers),
Algiers
NA Hussein Dey

- Ultras Dey Boys 09
- Ultras Crazy Capital 14

Mohamed Boumezrag Stadium,
Chlef
ASO Chlef

- Ultras Polina 10

November 1, 1954 Stadium (Batna),
CA Batna- Ultras Aurès Boys 2009
- Ultras Furia Roja 2013
Stade Imam Lyes,
Medea
O Medea- Ultras Matador 26
February 24, 1956 Stadium,
Sidi Bel Abbès
USM Bel Abbès

- Ultras Scorpion Trop Puissant
- Ultras Verde Veteranos

November 1, 1954 Stadium (Algiers)USM El Harrach

- Grinta Curva

20 August 1955 Stadium,
Bordj Bou Arréridj
CA Bordj Bou Arréridj- Ultras Commandos 2008
- Ultras Monstros 18
El Alia Sports ComplexUS Biskra

- Ultras Pandilla Ziban
-Groupe Ouled el Ziban

Touhami Zoubir Khelifi StadiumAS Aïn M'lila

- Red Scorpion
- RossoNero

Stade Akid LotfiWA Tlemcen

- Ultras Kop 13

Stade 20 Août 1955 (Béchar)JS Saoura

- Ultras Giallo Verde

Stade Messaoud ZougarMC El Eulma

- Ultras Vikings 2009
- Ultras Red Army 2013

Maghrebi Unity StadiumJSM Bejaia

- Ultras Gouraya United
- Ultras Marins

November 1, 1954 Stadium (Batna),
MSP Batna

- Ultras Pantera Nera 2009

Ismaïl Makhlouf StadiumRC Arbaâ

- Ultras Blue Vichingo
- Ultras Tauras Blue

Stade Tahar ZoughariRC Relizane

- Ultras Verde Corazon

Stade Mokhtar AbdelatifAmal Bou Saâda

- Ultras Ouled el Khadra

Habib Bouakeul StadiumASM Oran

- Ultras Verde Lupo

Stade Mohamed ReggazWA Boufarik

- Ultras Orange W'arriors 2015

Stade Ben AbdelmalekMO Constantine

- Ultras Libertados
- Ultras Ouled Ben Badis

Rouibah Hocine StadiumJS Djijel

- Ultras Green Gunners
- Ultras Free Fans
- Ouled el Corniche

Brakni Brothers StadiumUSM Blida

- Ultras Green Killers 2014

Stade Souidani BoujemaaES Guelma

- Ultras Rebells Ragazzi

Omar Oucief StadiumCR Témouchent

- Ultras Red Wolves

Ahmed Kaïd StadiumJSM Tiaret

- Ultras Cavalier Blue
- Ultras Blue Eagles

Stade Amar BenjamaaES Collo

- Ultras Los Marinos 23

Stade Mohamed BensaïdES Mostaganem

- Ultras Verde Marinero 12

Stade de l'Unité AfricaineGC Mascara

- Ultras Green Storm 2008

Stade Zerdani HassounaUS Chaouia

- Ultras Giallo Boys

Morocco

Stadium Club Name
Stade Mohamed VRaja Casablanca- Ultras Green Boys 05
- Ultras Eagles 06
-
Stade MunicipaleRenaissance sportive de Berkane- Ultras Orange Boys 07
Stade Mohamed VWydad Casablanca- Ultras Winners 2005
Ibn Batouta StadiumIttihad Riadi Tanger- Ultra Hercules 2007
Prince Moulay Abdellah StadiumAssociation Sportive des FAR- Ultras Askary 2005
- Black Army 1427
Complexe sportif de FèsMaghreb Association Sportive de Fès- Ultras Fatal Tigers 2006
Complexe sportif de PhosphateOlympique Club de Khouribga- Ultras Green Ghost 2007
- Zona Clandestino Barrabrava
- Groupe Militaire
Stade municipaleKenitra athletic club- Ultras Helala Boys 2007
Stade AdrarHassania Agadir

- Ultras Imazighen 2006
- Ultras Red Rebels

Stade Saniat RmelMoghreb Tetouan- Ultras Los Matadores 2005
- Ultras Siempre Paloma 2006
Stade Mimoun Al ArsiChabab Rif Al Hoceima- Ultras Los Rifeños 2012

‘’’Ultras RIF BOYS 2010’’’

Stade El MassiraOlympic Safi- Ultras Shark 2006
Stade 18 BovembreIttihad Zemmouri De Khemisset- Ultras Cavaliers Family 2009
Stade de MarrakechKawkab Marrakech- Ultras crazy boys 2006
Stade d'honneurMCO Oujda- Ultras Brigade Wajda 2007
Stade Boubker AmmarAS Salé- Ultras Red Pirates 06
- Ultras Pirates 07
- Ultras Fanatics 09
Stade Municipal De KhénifraChabab Atlas Khénifra- Ultras Révoltés 2012

Egypt

The clubs in Egypt became a major political force during the uprising against Mubarak in 2011, but were known for long-standing animosity with the police.[18] When 38 members of the Ultras Devils were arrested in Shebeen al-Kom for "belonging to an illegal group" plus additional violent offences, it was seen as a crackdown on the organisations by authorities.[18] Ultras in Turkey have also played a role in the 2013 protests in Turkey, with fans of arch-rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Besiktas shielding protesters and allying against police violence. Police responded with raids in the Besiktas neighbourhood, the main breeding ground of ultras of the Beşiktaş club, the Carsi Group.[19]

In 2013, the Associated Press stated that the Egyptian Ultras network was one of the most organised movements in Egypt after the Muslim Brotherhood.[18]

Stadium Club Name
Cairo International StadiumAl Ahly SC- Ultras Ahlawy
- Ultras Devils
Cairo International StadiumZamalek SC- Ultras White Knights
Port Said StadiumAl-Masry SC- Ultras Green Eagles
Suez StadiumSuez Montakhab- Ultras Suez Fedyan
Ghazl El Mahalla StadiumGhazl El Mahalla SC- Ultras Whales 2008
Ismailia StadiumIsmaily SC- Ultras Yellow Dragons
- Ultras Rebels
Alexandria StadiumAl Ittihad Alexandria Club- Ultras Green Magic

Tunisia

Stadium Club Name
Stade Olympique de RadèsES Tunis- Curva Sud Tunis
- Ultras Lemkachkhines 2002
- Supras Sud 2004
- Blood & Gold 2005
- Zapatista Esperanza 2007
- Fedayn Espérantistes 2009
Stade Olympique de RadèsClub Africain- Curva Nord Tunis
- African Winners
- Leaders Clubistes
- North Vandals
- Dodgers Clubistes
Stade Taïeb MhiriCS Sfaxien- Curva Nord Sfax
- Black & White Fighters 2003
- Raged Boys 2007
- Ultras Sfaxiens 2007
- Leoni Bianconeri 2007
- Drughi Bianconeri 2013
Stade Olympique de SousseES Sahel- Curva Nord Sousse
- Ultras Fanatics 2003
- Ultras Saheliano 2007
Stade 15 OctoberCA Bizertin- Ultras Big Boss 2010 , Ultras Marines 2005

Asia

Lebanon

The ultras scene was introduced to Lebanon in February 2018, with Nejmeh's "Ultras Supernova".[20][21][22] Their rivals Ansar quickly followed with their own ultras group, "I Tifosi", one month later.[21] Ahed formed their own ultras group, called "Ultras Yellow Inferno", the same year.[22] Prior to the Arab Club Champions Cup game between Nejmeh and Al-Ahly of Egypt, played on 13 August 2018, seven “Ultras Supernova” fans were arrested by the Egyptian national security because of the negative connotations the word “Ultras” has in Egypt.[23] The fans have been returned to Lebanon by request of the Lebanese Ambassador to Cairo.[24]

India

East Bengal Ultras
The 3D Blue Tiger tifo displayed by Blue Pilgrims in June 2018

Kolkata Derby is the football match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. The rivalry between these two teams is almost 100 years old, and features in the FIFA's classic derby list. The matches witness large audience attendance and rivalry between patrons. It is considered to be one of, if not the biggest Asian footballing rivalry.The most memorable derby on many accounts took place in 1997 at the semi-final of the Federation Cup, when a remarkable crowd of 131,000 – a record attendance for any sport in India – filled a heaving Salt Lake Stadium.

The Ultras scene in India was introduced by East Bengal Ultras, the Ultras group of East Bengal F.C. in 2013 and since then it grew slowly as Ultras groups of various clubs started to form and display of "Tifo's" and "Pyro" shows became very much a part of the Ultras scene in Indian football.

The most supported club In India Kerala Blasters FC has its supporters group called Manjappada (Yellow Army).They were founded in 2014 and became ultras in 2018.During their home matches at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi) the whole stadium will be covered in yellow colours which is the home jersey of the team.

Highlander Brigade, the biggest supporters' club of Northeast United FC is also growing in numbers. With intimidating large sized tifos and non stop chanting, they've made their presence felt in the stands. Formed in 2017, they are quickly developing the Ultras scene in the Northeastern part of the country. During home games at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, their typical routine begins with a march to the stadium, followed by the display of tifos and banners before the start of the game and then 90 mins of intense chanting with megaphones and drums while waving flags of red, black and white.

Blue Pilgrims is an organised group of football fans who support the India national football men's team, women's team, and all the other age–group national teams at every home and away game formed by a group of football fans of several club fan bases of football clubs from India. Founded in 2017 before the commencement of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which was held in India, the group based their name on the nickname of the national team, the "Blue Tigers". They consider travelling with the national teams to wherever the teams play as their pilgrimage. They often display flags, banners, and tifos in support of the national team.[25]

Stadium Club Name
Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata East Bengal F.C. East Bengal Ultras
Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata East Bengal F.C. East Bengal the Real Power
Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata Mohun Bagan A.C. Mariners’ Base Camp[26]
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi) Kerala Blasters FC Manjappada(Yellow Army)[27]
Kalinga Stadium Odisha FC The Juggernauts
Sree Kanteerava Stadium Bengaluru FC West Block Blues
Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium Northeast United FC Highlander Brigade

North America

United States

Stadium Club Name
Audi FieldD.C. UnitedDistrict Ultras[28]
Avaya StadiumSan Jose Earthquakes1906 Ultras[29]
Red Bull ArenaNew York Red BullsGarden State Ultras[30]
Talen Energy StadiumPhiladelphia UnionKeystone State Ultras[31]

Characteristics

Ultras groups are usually centred on a core group of founders or leaders (who tend to hold executive control),[32] with smaller subgroups organised by location, friendship or political stance. Ultras tend to use various styles and sizes of banners and flags bearing the name and symbols of their group.[32][33] Some ultras groups sell their own merchandise to raise funds for performing displays.[32][34] An ultras group can number from a handful of fans to hundreds or thousands, with larger groups often claiming entire sections of a stadium for themselves. Ultras groups often have a representative who liaises with the club owners on a regular basis, mostly regarding tickets, seat allocations and storage facilities.[32] Some clubs provide groups with cheaper tickets, storage rooms for flags and banners and early access to the stadium before matches in order to prepare displays. These types of favoured relationships are often criticised when ultras groups abuse their power.[1]

Hooliganism

Polish football hooligans in violent clash

While ultras groups can become violent, the majority of matches attended by ultras conclude with no violent incidents. Unlike hooligan firms, whose main aim is to fight hooligans of other clubs, the main focus of ultras is generally to support their own team.[35] Some hooligans try to be inconspicuous when they travel; usually not wearing team colours, in order to avoid detection by the police. Within the ultra or hooligan culture however, those dressing to "blend in" would be referred to as casuals, which is viewed by some as a branch of hooliganism, yet still maintaining its own independence and culture. Ultras tend to be more conspicuous when they travel, proudly displaying their scarves and club colours while arriving en masse, which allows the police to keep a close eye on their movements.

See also

References

  1. "The dark heart of Italian soccer". CBC Sports. 15 April 2005. Archived from the original on 24 February 2011. Retrieved 18 January 2011.
  2. "Fan tragedy sends the fight against Ultras back to square one". The Guardian. 12 November 2007. Archived from the original on 4 December 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2011.
  3. "Are German fans really turning against the beautiful game?". The Guardian. 7 April 2008. Archived from the original on 4 December 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2011.
  4. "We Don't Fight, We Paint Flags Instead". In Bed With Maradona. 2 November 2010. Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  5. "Povijest". Torcida.hr (in Croatian). Archived from the original on 17 February 2011. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  6. "Ultra sensitive". When Saturday Comes. April 2007. Archived from the original on 24 January 2011. Retrieved 18 January 2011.
  7. "Ultras rule?". Football Italia. 28 October 2009. Archived from the original on 23 November 2010. Retrieved 18 January 2011.
  8. Alberto Testa, Gary Armstrong (2010). Football, Fascism and Fandom. A&C Black. ISBN 978-1-4081-2371-3.
  9. "Passion, politics and violence: A socio-historical analysis of Spanish ultras". March 2005. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  10. https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/16196253.rangers-ultras-union-bears-eerie-message-after-ibrox-fans-storm-own-poty-awards-in-glasgow/
  11. Bakowski, Gregg (23 October 2016). "Ultra culture could help Premier League terraces take positive steps". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 11 April 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  12. "Palace 'ultras' causing anxiety". ESPN. Archived from the original on 11 April 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  13. Barker, Matthew. "When Saturday Comes - Crystal Palace ultras under pressure from club and fans". When Saturday Comes. Archived from the original on 11 April 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  14. "Eastbourne Town's 'ultras' are game for a laugh and making football welcome to all". iNews. 16 November 2017. Archived from the original on 11 April 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  15. "London's Left-Wing Utopian Non-League Ultras Are Reclaiming Football". Vice. 5 January 2015. Archived from the original on 11 April 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  16. "The English Far-Right's War on Anti-Fascist Football Ultras". Vice. 13 February 2015. Archived from the original on 11 April 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  17. "The FA – Kicking anti-racism out of football". Supporters Not Customers. 16 January 2014. Archived from the original on 11 April 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  18. el Deeb, Sarah (14 March 2013). "Egypt: 38 soccer fans charged with violence". USA Today. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 10 October 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
  19. "Ultras: The Surprise Kids ff Turkey’s Uprising" Archived 7 June 2013 at the Wayback Machine, Al Monitor website (posted 4 June)
  20. "المدرجات لا تعترف إلا بالشجعان". lebanonfg.com. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  21. COPA90. "Ultras Supernova: Lebanon's First Ultras Group". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  22. "مباريات قويّة في الجولة العاشرة". الأخبار (in Arabic). Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  23. "قضية مشجعي "النجمة" الموقوفين في مصر... ماذا جرى معهم؟". LBCI Lebanon (in Arabic). Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  24. "Lebanese Nejmeh fans to be deported days after arrest at Borg al-Arab Stadium | MadaMasr". madamasr.com. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
  25. "Indian national football teams to have dedicated fan base named 'Blue Pilgrims". www.sportskeeda.com. 3 October 2017. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
  26. "Mariners' Base Camp – The Ultras of The National Club of India Mohun Bagan". Retrieved 28 December 2019.
  27. "Manjappada | Heart Beat of Kerala Blasters - Welcome To Official Website of Manjappada (Kerala Blasters Fans). Stay Connected With Us For Latest KBFC Updates". Manjappada | Heart Beat of Kerala Blasters. Retrieved 28 December 2019.
  28. "District Ultras - Home".
  29. "San Jose Ultras - Home". sanjoseultras.com.
  30. "Garden State Ultras - Home".
  31. "Keystone State Ultras - Home".
  32. "Ultras pull the strings as Italy descends into chaos". The Guardian. 4 February 2007. Archived from the original on 2 October 2014. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  33. "Gruppi". asromaultras.org (in Italian). Archived from the original on 12 February 2011. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  34. "AS Roma Ultras". asromaultras.org (in Italian). Archived from the original on 13 February 2011. Retrieved 18 January 2011.
  35. "Ultra vires". Spiked. 9 February 2007. Archived from the original on 24 February 2011. Retrieved 18 January 2011.

Further reading

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