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Ultras of Neftochimic Burgas at Lazur Stadium in Burgas, Bulgaria, 2014
Ultras of Lazio at Olympic Stadium of Rome, Italy in 2007

Ultras are a type of association football fans who are known for their fanatical support. The term originated in Italy, but is used worldwide to describe predominantly organised fans of association football teams. The behavioural tendency of ultras groups includes singing football chants, playing musical instruments such as drums, their use of flares and smoke bombs (primarily in tifo choreography), frequent use of elaborate displays, vocal support in large groups and the displaying of flags and 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. These groups also commonly organise trips to attend away games.

Ultras groups have been responsible for many cases of football hooliganism and violence,[1] although differently from hooligan firms, ultras do not have the explicit objective of fighting other fans.[2] Ultras groups are also in some cases directly linked to ideologies like neo-Nazism and other forms of far-right politics,[3][4][5] and sometimes far-left politics.[6][7] In some instances, hooliganism and/or this politicisation goes to the point where support for their team is relegated to a secondary feature of the phenomenon.[8]

In recent decades, the culture has become a focal point for the movement against the commercialisation of sports and football in particular.[9] Ultras also have regional variants and analogues, such as casuals in the United Kingdom, barra bravas in Hispanic America,[10] and torcidas organizadas in Brazil.[11]

History

[edit]

The origin of the ultras movement is disputed,[12] 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. The first group of fans was found in Salerno, Italy in 1921 with the name "circolo salernitani fieri",[13] later in Florence in 1931 when some Fiorentina fans created the group called "ordine del marzocco",[14] which with a large following, composed hymns, distributed flags and stage material and set up special trains to follow the team. 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.[15] But the first supporters' groups in the world formed to produce violence were barras bravas, originated in Argentina in the 1950s.

Torcida Jovem of Santos in Brazil. An example of a Brazilian Torcida Organizada

One country closely associated with the ultras movement is Italy.[12][16] 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.[17] 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.[18] 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.[19]

Characteristics

[edit]

Ultras groups are usually centred on a core group of founders or leaders (who tend to hold executive control),[20] 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.[20][21] Some ultras groups sell their own merchandise to raise funds for performing displays.[20][22] 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.[20] Some clubs provide groups with cheaper tickets, storage rooms for flags and banners and early access to the stadium before matches to prepare displays. These types of favoured relationships are often criticised when ultras groups abuse their power.[5]

Hooliganism

[edit]
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[1] Some hooligans try to be inconspicuous when they travel; usually not wearing team colours, 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.

Europe

[edit]

France

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Parc des Princes Paris Saint-Germain Collectif Ultras Paris
Stade Vélodrome Olympique de Marseille Commando Ultra '84
South Winners 1987
Fanatics 1988
Dodger's 1992
Marseille Trop Puissant 1994
Stade Geoffroy-Guichard AS Saint-Étienne Magic Fans 1991
Green Angels 1992
Groupama Stadium Olympique Lyonnais Bad Gones
Lyon 1950
Allianz Riviera OGC Nice Ultras Populaire Sud Nice
Stade Pierre-Mauroy Lille OSC Dogues Virage Est
Stade de la Beaujoire FC Nantes Brigade Loire
Roazhon Park Stade Rennais FC Roazhon Celtic Kop
Stade Louis-II AS Monaco Ultras Monaco 1994
Stade Gaston Gérard Dijon FCO Ultras Dijonnais 1998
Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux FC Girondins de Bordeaux Ultras Bordeaux 1987
Stade Bollaert-Delelis RC Lens Ultras Sang et Or
Stade de la Mosson Montpellier HSC Butte Paillade 91
Stade de la Meinau RC Strasbourg Alsace Ultra Boys 90
Kop Ciel et Blanc
Strasbourg Offender
Stade Saint-Symphorien FC Metz Les Gladiators 1992
Indomptables
Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps AJ Auxerre Ultras Auxerre
Stade Océane Le Havre AC Ultras Le Havre
Stade Marcel Picot AS Nancy Lorraine Ultras Nancy 95
Stade des Alpes Grenoble Foot 38 Red Kaos
Stade Jean-Bouin (Paris) Paris FC Paname Rebirth
Stade Marcel-Tribut USL Dunkerque Kop Dunkerquois

Scotland

[edit]

In Scotland, Ultras Aberdeen are the ultras group who follow Aberdeen F.C., they organise chants and choreography in the Merkland Road Stand, at Pittodrie Stadium, also known as the "Red Shed". The Green Brigade are an ultras group that follow Celtic F.C. and regularly make tifo displays and often voice support for a United Ireland. They are left-wing. On the other side of Glasgow are the Rangers F.C. ultra group The Union Bears.[23] The Union Bears are known for their elaborate fan displays and their support for Northern Irish and Scottish unionism within the UK. They celebrate and support the Protestant history of both Rangers and Scotland. They sit in the Copland Road stand. Block Seven are a supporters group that support Hibernian FC, the Gorgie Ultras support rivals, Heart of Midlothian FC. The Southside Ultras support Queen’s Park FC while Ultras Thistle support their city rivals, Partick Thistle. Other ultras in the Scottish Championship include Dunfermline Athletic’s Section North West, Greenock Morton’s Cowshed, Raith Rovers’ Ultras Raith, Livingston’s Block C, Hamilton Academical’s Accies Youth, Ayr United’s Somerset Ragazzi, Falkirk’s Ultras 1876 and Airdrieonians’ Section B. U76 are an ultras group who support and follow Falkirk F.C., the groups responsabilities ranges from singing chants to hosting rallies in honour of the clubs victory.

England

[edit]

In England, there are ultras groups at, Colchester United known as the BWA (Blue and White Army), Hartlepool United known as the NWC, Middlesbrough F.C. (Red Faction), Crystal Palace F.C. (Holmesdale Fanatics), Ipswich Town F.C. (Blue Action), Leicester City F.C. (Union FS), Huddersfield Town F.C. (Cowshed Loyal), and Stockport County (Hatters 83), Bristol City (Section 82), Arsenal (Ashburton Army)[24][25][26] Several non-league football teams in England have ultras groups that are left-wing, such as the fans of Dulwich Hamlet F.C. who have a group called The Rabble.[27][28] A Vice article claims Casuals United are at war with anti-fascist football ultras.[29]

In early-2022, a Norwich City supporters group was formed known as City Elite, in an effort to copy their rivals, Ipswich Town's Blue Action, an ultras group considered to be leading the English ultras movement.[by whom?] They have grown to become one of the leading fan groups at the Championship club.[citation needed]

In late-2022, an Arsenal F.C. supporters group called "Ashburton Army" gained prominence, taking their name from Ashburton Grove, an historic road upon which the team's Emirates Stadium was built.[30][31][32]

In April 2024, following the inception of the group and a subsequent meeting with club officials, an Aston Villa F.C. supporters group called "1897 Group" were allocated a section of the club's home stadium Villa Park for a Premier League match against A.F.C. Bournemouth to launch the group's presence at Aston Villa's matches.[33] The group's volunteers help to organise and carry out tifo displays in Villa Park's Holte End stand and across other sections of the stadium for some Villa home matches.[34] On 10 December 2024, 1897 Group organised and performed a fan march in Leipzig along with other Villa supporters prior to Villa's UEFA Champions League match against RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena.[35] 1897 Group are the first ultras-style supporters group present at Aston Villa since a group named "Brigada 1874" disbanded in 2015.[36]

In early 2025, a fan group of Manchester United known as The Red Army (TRA) gained prominence among the fanbase, particularly due to the group organising displays vs Olympique Lyonnais, Real Sociedad, and Athletic Club in the 2024/25 Europa League. On the 17th of August, 2025, before Manchester United played Arsenal in the Premier League, TRA funded and displayed flags and banners before the match started. The group have announced plans to repeat this display before every home match for United

Austria

[edit]

Many Austrian clubs have ultras groups supporting them, most notably SK Rapid, who had the first group in Austria in 1988, the "Ultras Rapid Block West 1988", who are still very active and are in control of most the so called "Block West" in the Weststadion, together with groups like "Tornados", "Lords", "SAF 2012", "Lions" and others, creating the biggest ultras support among all austrian clubs, at home and away as well. Other clubs like FK Austria Wien, Sturm Graz or SV Austria Salzburg are also known for their active supporting scene. Many ultras groups have active friendships with groups from friendly clubs, mostly from Germany, Italy, Greece and Hungary.

Hungary

[edit]
Singing at sector B Central during the opening ceremonies of the Puskás Aréna on 15 November 2019

Several clubs in Hungary have large ultras groups, such as Ferencváros (Green Monsters), Újpest (Viola Fidelity), Diósgyőr (Ultras Diósgyőr), Honvéd (Ultras Kispest, Északi Kanyar), Fehérvár (Red Blue Devils), Tatabánya (Turul Ultrái), Debrecen (Szívtiprók Ultras Debrecen) and other strongly developing groups such as Kecskemét (Ultras Kecskemét) Szeged (Ultras Szeged). The national team of Hungary has an ultras group known as the Carpathian Brigade. The group was formed in 2009. Hungarian ultras occupy sector B Central at the Puskás Aréna.

Portugal

[edit]
Benfica group, No Name Boys, Lisbon, 2008
Stadium Club Name
Estádio do Dragão FC Porto Super Dragões 1986
Colectivo Ultras 95
Estádio do Bessa Boavista FC Panteras Negras 84
Estádio da Luz SL Benfica Иo Иame Boys 92
Diabos Vermelhos 82
Grupo Manks 96
Estádio José Alvalade Sporting CP Juventude Leonina 1976
Torcida Verde
Directivo Ultras XXI
Brigada Ultras Sporting
Estádio de São Luís SC Farense South Side Boys
Estádio José Gomes CF Estrela da Amadora Magia Tricolor
Estádio Municipal de Braga SC Braga Red Boys 92
Bracara Legion 2003
Estádio Municipal 22 de Junho FC Famalicão Fama Boys 1990
Estádio D. Afonso Henriques Vitória SC Insane Guys 1994
White Angels 1999
Suspeitos do Costume 2008
Estádio Comendador Manuel Violas SC Espinho Desnorteados
Complexo Desportivo de Campanhã SC Salgueiros Alma Salgueirista 1985
Estádio Marques da Silva AD Ovarense Fans_1921
Estádio Do Restelo CF Os Belenenses Fúria Azul
Estádio Municipal de Bragança Grupo Desportivo de Bragança Commando Ultra

Greece

[edit]

In Greece, most professional football teams have an ultras group. Most of them are named after a gate number which refers to the specific place where the fans are situated at the stadium. Others have actual names or no special names at all and they are named after their supporting team.

Stadium Club Name
Karaiskakis Stadium Olympiacos F.C Gate 7
Agia Sophia Stadium AEK Athens F.C Original 21 (Gate 21)
Toumba Stadium PAOK F.C Gate 4
Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium Aris Thessaloniki F.C SUPER-3
Leoforos Stadium/OAKA Panathinaikos F.C Gate 13
Peristeri Stadium Atromitos Athinon F.C Fentagin
Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium OFI Crete F.C Gate 4 (Snakes)
Panetolikos Stadium Panetolikos F.C Gate 6 (Warriors)
Theodoros Kolokotronis Stadium Asteras Tripolis F.C Tigers Ultras
AEL FC Arena AEL F.C Monsters (Gate 1)
Nea Smyrni Stadium Panionios F.C Panthers
Kaftatzoglio stadium Iraklis F.C Autonomous Gate 10
Lamia municipal stadium PAS Lamia F.C Gate 3
Serres municipal stadium Panseraikos F.C Gate 5
Zosimades Stadium PAS Giannina F.C Pagouria
Stavros Mavrothalasitis stadium Egaleo F.C Gate 12

Serbia

[edit]

Red Star Belgrade have one of the most dedicated ultras groups in Europe, Delije is a collective name for supporters of various groups that are a part of the Red Star Belgrade multi-sport club. They attend every match, and usually do choreographies and shout chants, with many subgroups present on the stadium as well.

FK Partizan, have a ultras group of their own named Grobari (Gravediggers).They generally support all clubs within the Partizan multi-sports club, and mostly wear black and white symbols, which are the club's colors.

Denmark

[edit]

FC Copenhagen (Sektion 12) and Brøndby IF (Sydsiden) have some of the most renowned ultras groups on the continent, and the derby between the two is also one of the fiercest in Europe.[37]

AaB's ultras group caused a 14-minute delay in the 2020 Danish Cup final for a failure to adhere to COVID-19 social distancing rules.[38] The group was ultimately ejected from the stadium and the game resumed, which was won by Sønderjyske.

Italy

[edit]
ACMilanultras2006curvasud
AC Milan ultras in 2006

In Italy, most professional football clubs have an ultras group which attends every match and has dedicated seating areas in either the north or south end of the stadium behind the goals. Each ultras group will have one or more leaders who choreograph chants, and who hand out banners and flags to other people in the stand to wave throughout the match. Ultras have been credited with creating fantastic atmospheres inside the stadium; however they have also come under universal criticism because of ties to various gangs and the mafia, as well as causing violence which often takes place outside the stadium prior to a match. Over the years inappropriate chanting has resulted in the FIGC issuing partial or full stadium bans to clubs. The ultras will choreograph a wide range of chants throughout a match, but some of the most common chants that result in a ban are anti-Southern chants towards clubs which are located in the South of Italy, most notably towards Napoli, as well as racist chants towards opposition players. However, these issues only partially represent parts of the Ultras culture in Italy – Ultras in Italy are also known for fighting criminals and the Mafia, giving housing to immigrants or helping Italian citizens in need, as well as aiding with food and money during the Covid pandemic to their local hospitals.[39][40]

Stadium Club Name
San Siro AC Milan Curva Sud Milano
San Siro Inter Milan Curva Nord Milano
Juventus Stadium Juventus FC Drughi Bianconeri
Gruppo Storico Fighters
Viking Juve
Nucleo 1985
Tradizione-Antichi Valori
Stadio Olimpico AS Roma Curva Sud
Gruppo Quadraro
Stadio Diego Armando Maradona Napoli SSC Curva A
Curva B
Stadio Olimpico SS Lazio Irriducibili
Ultras Lazio
Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Atalanta BC Vecchia Guardia
Ultras Tanto Tornano
Per Chi Non Può Essere

Republic of Ireland

[edit]

Several groups exist in Ireland, as follows:

Northern Ireland

[edit]

The ultras scene in Northern Ireland is new, and since these have begun, the younger generation of fans in Northern Ireland has increased more than it has in many years.[citation needed]

Club Name
Glentoran F.C. Glentoran Ultras
Linfield F.C. Blue Unity
Cliftonville F.C. Red Fanatics
Coleraine F.C. Coleraine Casual Army
Larne F.C. Casual Inver Army

Slovakia

[edit]
Ultras Spartak all-stand tifo.

Four groups of active Ultras exists in Slovakia, with the most active being Ultras Spartak.[41]

In a match between Spartak Trnava and Slovan Bratislava in 2021, there was a full blown fight on the pitch between both ultras, with the game being cancelled and postponed.[42][43] As a result of this incident, Spartak Trnava would have to play the next three home matches without the Ultras, with entry only allowed for children under 15 years of age, and Slovan would have to pay heavy fines.[44]

Stadium Club Name Est.
Anton Malatinský Stadium Spartak Trnava Ultras Spartak 1988
Tehelné pole Slovan Bratislava Ultras Slovan -
DAC Aréna DAC Dunajská Streda YBS (Yellow Blue Supporters) -
Štadión pod Dubňom MŠK Žilina Žilinskí Šošoni (Žilina Shoshones) -

Poland

[edit]

The first Polish ultras groups were formed in 1980s by fans of Legia Warszawa and Arka Gdynia. Those early ultra groups identified as either fascist or national-socialist and opposed the communist government of Wojciech Jaruzelski. The 1990s saw the continuing spread and development of the ultra culture with the formation of the Wisła Sharks and Cracovia Jude Gang groups, the former often regarded in Poland as the first full-fledged ultras group. With intimidating and non-stop chanting, they've made their presence felt in the stands.[45] Modern hooligans try to be inconspicuous when they enter the stadium; usually not wearing team colours, to avoid detection by the police and PZPN officials.[46]

Spain

[edit]

Spanish ultraism is generally agreed to have come from Italian and English ultraism and hooliganism at the 1982 World Cup held in Spain. Held only seven years after the death of Franco, the World Cup was an opportunity for Spain to join the world of modern international football. Spanish ultraism is particularly known for its dramatic and polarized distinction across two ideological cleavages: fascism and (regional) nationalism. The vast majority of ultra groups identify as either fascist or anti-fascist, and either separatist or nationalist.[47]

The Netherlands

[edit]

In The Netherlands, most professional football teams have an ultras group. the first ultras groups in the Netherlands were formed in the 1970s by fans of Feyenoord they called themselves S.C.F. Hooligans. After S.C.F. Hooligans were formed many other ultras groups started forming such as AFC Ajax (F-side), FC Utrecht (Bunnikside), ADO Den Haag (north side), De Graafschap (Brigata Tifosi), FC Twente (Vak-P), FC Groningen (Z-Side).

Belgium

[edit]

Most clubs in Belgium have an ultra-group, such as Sporting Charleroi (Storm Ultras 2001), Sint-Truidense V.V. (Brigada Hesbania), KRC Genk (Drughi Genk), RSC Anderlecht (Mauves Army 2003) Standard Liège (Ultras Inferno 1996)

Luxembourg

[edit]

Several clubs in Luxembourg have an ultras group, such as FC Differdange 03 (UD45), Jeunesse Esch (Ultras Esch), Avenir Beggen (Ultras Beggen), Luxembourg national football team (M-Block)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

[edit]

People in Bosnia and Herzegovina are known for their national ultras group BHFanaticos. Also, they have a few ultras that are connected to football clubs Manijaci, Horde zla, Lešinari, Red Army, Škripari, Ultras Mostar and many more.

Cyprus

[edit]

Gate-9 (Greek: Θύρα 9 ) is a Cypriot fans' group that supports the football team People's Athletic Club Omonia 1948 and all the sport departments of AC Omonia except football. Omonia supporters are traditionally left wing. A 2009 gallop poll estimated that three out of four Omonia fans vote for the Progressive Party of Working People, the communist party of Cyprus.[48] While the group retains its left wing beliefs, in recent years it has been openly critical of the party's involvement in the club's administrative decisions. The party has denied accusations that it influences club decisions.[49] Gate-9 members are associated with communist beliefs and have been noted for waving banners bearing Che Guevara's portrait, and other communist symbols.[50] The group is also involved in humanitarian work for refugees in Cyprus.[51] The group, besides Nicosia, has fan clubs in Limassol, Athens, Thessaloniki, Larnaka,[52] Paphos,[53] and London.[54]

There are also ultras groups affiliated with the APOEL FC[55] and the Anorthosis Famagusta FC.[56]

Malta

[edit]

Although small in size, Malta has some notable ultras groups. The main ultras groups in Malta are Birkirkara Ultras 1997, Ultras Beltin 999, and Paola Boys Hibs Ultras, Sliema Ultras Blue Gladiators as well as the Maltese national football team ultras group, the South End Core.

Ukraine

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Chernihiv Stadium Desna Chernihiv Ultras Desna

Romania

[edit]

Romania's ultras only finds itself in the traditional teams like Steaua București,Dinamo București and Rapid București; but there are some small ultras groups which support their local club. The biggest ultras groups are: Peluza Nord FCSB, Peluza Sud Steaua, Peluza Cătălin Hîldan, Peluza Sud Dinamo, Peluza Nord Rapid, Peluza Sud Timisoara, t2 Rapid, Peluza Şepcile Roşii and Peluza Nord Hunedoara. There are also some honourable mentions like Peluza Marină Farul, Peluza Sud Craiova and Peluza Nord Galați.

Turkey

[edit]

The three big clubs of Turkey, namely Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, have dedicated and passionate fanbases. The ultras of these clubs are Çarşı, Genç Fenerbahçeliler and UltrAslan, respectively.

Bulgaria

[edit]

The most famous ultras in Bulgaria are Sector B (Levski Sofia), Sector G (CSKA Sofia), Bultras (Botev Plovdiv), Green Fighters (Neftochimic Burgas), Moryatsi (Cherno More Varna) and Lauta Army (Lokomotiv Plovdiv).

Azerbaijan

[edit]

Several groups exist in Azerbaijan, as follows:

In addition, there are fans' group that support the Azerbaijan national football team

  • Göyqurdlar (Blue Wolves) - In home matches
  • Milli Dasta (National Squad) - In matches in Europe

Croatia

[edit]

There are many ultras groups in Croatia but the most popular are:

Africa

[edit]

Algeria

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Ali La Pointe Stadium MC Alger Ultras the Twelfth Player 2011
Ultras Green Corsairs 2012
Ultra' Amore E Mentalita
Stade du 5 Juillet,
USM Alger Les Unionistes Algérois
Alger Offender
El Assima
Les Originaires d'Alger
Nelson Mandela Stadium,
CR Belouizdad

Ultras Fanatic Reds 09

Stade 8 Mai 1945,
Setif
ES Setif Ultras Inferno 10
Les Fidèles 58
Ultras Gladiators 16
May 19, 1956 Stadium USM Annaba Les indepandants de bone 12
101% Mentality
Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium
JS Kabylie Ultra Kabylie Boys 09
Ultras The Leader 13
Ultras Samba Boys 11
Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium,
Constantine
CS Constantine Ultras Green Army 2012
Ultra' Iqbal 2023
Desctrolados
1 November 1954 Stadium (Algiers) USM El Harrach

Ultra' Combattiva 2020

20 August 1955 Stadium (Algiers),
Algiers
NA Hussein Dey

Ultra Dey Boys 09

Stade 20 Août 1955,
Skikda
JSM Skikda Ultras Guardie Nere
Ultra' Capitano
Marinai 21
Maghrebi Unity Stadium MO Bejaia Ultras Granchio 09
Ultras Saldae Kings 2011
Ultras Free Men 16
La Banda Berberista
Bejaia Offender
Rouibah Hocine Stadium JS Djijel

Ultra' Green Gunners
Ultras Free Fans
Ouled el Corniche

Brakni Brothers Stadium USM Blida

Ultras Green Killers 2014
Les Blidéens
Green Rose

April 13, 1958 Stadium,
Saida
MC Saida

Ultras Méga Boys 2007

Miloud Hadefi Stadium,
Oran
MC Oran Ultras Red Castle 2011
Ultras Leones Rey 2009
Forza Mouloudia
Mohamed Boumezrag Stadium,
Chlef
ASO Chlef

Ultras Polina 10
Ultras Asnam Boys 1437
Groupe Djawarih 2014
Group Armata Rosso 2019

1 November 1954 Stadium (Batna),
CA Batna Ultra' Autochtones 2024
Stade Imam Lyes,
Médéa
O Medea Ultra' Olympic Medea
Titteri Ragazzi 2024
Stade Zerdani Hassouna US Chaouia

Ultras Giallo Boys 13

February 24, 1956 Stadium,
Sidi Bel Abbès
USM Bel Abbès

Ultras Scorpion Trop Puissant
Ultras Verde Veteranos

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

Ultras Vescera

Touhami Zoubir Khelifi Stadium AS Aïn M'lila

Red Scorpion
RossoNero

Stade Akid Lotfi WA Tlemcen

Ultras Kop 13

Stade 20 Août 1955 (Béchar) JS Saoura

Ultras Giallo Verde

Stade Messaoud Zougar MC El Eulma

Ultras Vikings 2009
Ultras Red Army 2013
Les Unis

Maghrebi Unity Stadium JSM Bejaia

Ultras Gouraya United
Ultras Marins

1 November 1954 Stadium (Batna),
MSP Batna

Les Genies
Ultras Guida Nascosta
I Prescelti

Ismaïl Makhlouf Stadium RC Arbaâ

Ultras Blue Vichingo
Ultras Tauras Blue

Stade Tahar Zoughari RC Relizane

Ultras Mina Men

Amar Hamam Stadium USM Khenchela

Ultras Mascula 13
Casa Nera
Ciskaoua

Stade Mokhtar Abdelatif Amal Bou Saâda

Ultras Ouled el Khadra

Habib Bouakeul Stadium ASM Oran

Ultras Verde Lupo

Stade Mohamed Reggaz WA Boufarik

La Fiamma

Stade Ben Abdelmalek MO Constantine

Ultras Libertados 13

Stade Souidani Boujemaa ES Guelma

Black Solidier

Omar Oucief Stadium CR Témouchent

Ultras Red Wolves

Ahmed Kaïd Stadium JSM Tiaret

Ultras Cavalier Blue
Ultras Blue Eagles

Stade Amar Benjamaa ES Collo

Ultras Los Marinos 23

Stade Mohamed Bensaïd ES Mostaganem

Ultras Verde Marinero 12

Stade Mohamed Bensaïd WA Mostaganem

El Widadyoun 1945

Stade de l'Unité Africaine GC Mascara

Ultras Green Storm 2008
Born To Support

Mohamed Benhaddad Stadium RC Kouba

Ultras Green Fans
Ultras Raed 2015

1 November 1954 stadium US Souf - Group Quicksand 2023
13 February Stadium CR Béni Thour

Ultras Crazy Fans
Les vrais 30

Salah Takdjerad Stadium JS Bordj Ménaïel - Pure Blood 2023
1 November 1954 stadium Olympique Akbou - Ultras Brawers
11 December 1961 Stadium HB Chelghoum Laïd - Ragazzi Verde
Mohamed Belkebir Stadium SKAF Khemis Miliana - Cardellino Scuola
Mohamed Mouaz Stadium ESM Koléa - Ultras Etoile Verde
Ahmed Khalfa Stadium WR M'Sila - Ouled el hodna
Mila Stadium CB Mila - Ultras Salerno 2011
Abderrahmane Allag Stadium CRB Aïn Fakroun - Oussalit Boys
El Milia Stadium CRB EL Milia - Les Fidèles 2017
13 February Stadium MB rouissat - Les Vagues Blues

Morocco

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium Association Sportive des FAR Ultras Askary 2005
Black Army 2006
Stade Mohamed V Wydad Casablanca Ultras Winners 2005
Stade Mohamed V Raja CA Ultras Green Boys 2005
Ultras Eagles 2006
Ibn Batouta Stadium Ittihad Riadi Tanger Ultra Hercules 2007
Complexe sportif de Fès Maghreb de Fès Ultras Fatal Tigers 2006
Complexe sportif de Fès Wydad de Fès Ultras Bianco Nero 2008
Complexe sportif de Phosphate Olympique Club de Khouribga Ultras Green Ghost 2007
Stade Municipal (Kenitra) Kenitra athletic club Ultras Helala Boys 2007
Stade Adrar Hassania Agadir Ultras Imazighen 2006
Ultras Supras Rebels 46
Stade Saniat Rmel Moghreb Tetouan Ultras Los Matadores 2005
Ultras Siempre Paloma 2006
Stade Municipal de Berkane RS Berkane Ultras Orange Boys 07
Stade Mimoun Al Arsi Chabab Rif Al Hoceima Ultras Rif Boys 2010
Ultras Los Rifeños 2012
Stade El Massira Olympic Safi Ultras Shark 2006
Stade du 18 novembre Ittihad Khemisset Ultras Cavaliers Family 2009
Stade de Marrakech Kawkab Marrakech Ultras Crazy Boys 2006
Honneur Stadium MC Oujda Ultras Brigade Wajda 2007
Honneur Stadium USM Oujda Ultras Pioneers 10
Stade Boubker Ammar AS Salé Ultras Red Pirates 06
Ultras Pirates 07
Ultras Fanatics 09
Stade Municipal De Khénifra Chabab Atlas Khénifra Ultras Zayan Boys 2008
Ultras Révoltés 2012
Stade D'honneur De Meknès COD Meknès Ultras Red Men 2008
Ultras Vulcano Rosso 2010
Stade El Abdi Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi Ultras Cap Soleil 2007
Stade Municipal (Oued Zem) Rapide Oued Zem Ultras Martyrs 2007
Berrechid Municipal Stadium Youssoufia Berrechid Ultras Liberta 13
Stade d'honneur de Beni Mellal Raja Beni Mellal Ultras Star Boys 2007
Complexe Bernoussi CR Bernoussi Ultras Stars Boys 2011
- Ultras Alber City 2013
Stade de Settat RS Settat Ultras Imbrator 2012
- Ultras Masked 2008
Stade Tiznit Amal Tiznit Ultras Risings 2008
Stade de Tan-Tan NS Tantan Ultras 2Tan Boys 2008
Stade du 16 Novembre Chabab Houara Ultras Giallo Pizzi 2009
Stade Municipal d'Aït Melloul USM Aït Melloul Ultras Swassa Boys 2011
Stade du Errachidia US Errachidia Ultras Sand Men 2012
Stade Municipal d'Dakhla CM Dakhla Ultras Culture Boys 2007
Stade du Sheikh Mohamed Laghdaf JS Massira Ultras Sahara Strong 2007
The Curva Sud in a RCA vs OCS match in 2022

The history of Moroccan ultras can be traced back to the early 2000s, with the formation of the first ultras group, Ultras Tanger, in 2003. However, the first ultras group that still exists today is Ultras Green Boys, which was founded in 21/06/2005 to support Raja Casablanca. That same year, Ultras Askary Rabat was founded to support AS FAR and Ultras Winners was founded to support Wydad Casablanca. The Moroccan ultras movement quickly gained momentum and popularity, with other notable groups such as Ultras Eagles (also supporting Raja Casablanca), being formed in 2006. Moroccan ultras groups are heavily influenced by European ultras movements, and are known for their passionate and dedicated support of their favorite football clubs. They are also known for their elaborate displays of choreographed support, including banners, flags, flares, and coordinated chants. Despite facing challenges, such as financial costs and loss of members, Moroccan ultras groups remain an important part of the country's football culture, known for their intense rivalries and unwavering support of their clubs.

Egypt

[edit]

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.[57] 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.[57]

In 2013, the Associated Press stated that the Egyptian Ultras network was one of the most organised movements in Egypt after the Muslim Brotherhood.[57]

Tunisia

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Cairo International Stadium Al Ahly SC Ultras Ahlawy
Ultras Devils
Cairo International Stadium Zamalek SC Ultras White Knights (UWK)
Port Said Stadium Al-Masry SC Ultras Green Eagles
Suez Stadium Suez Montakhab Ultras Suez Fedyan
Ghazl El Mahalla Stadium Ghazl El Mahalla SC Ultras Whales 2008
Ismailia Stadium Ismaily SC Ultras Yellow Dragons
Ultras Rebels
Alexandria Stadium Al Ittihad Alexandria Club Ultras Green Magic
El Mansoura Stadium El Mansoura SC Ultras Orange Dragons
Aswan Stadium Aswan SC Ultras Nile Crocodile
El Minya Stadium El Minya SC Ultras Red Camels
Tanta Stadium Tanta SC Ultras 300
Damanhour Stadium Ala'ab Damanhour SC - Ultras Blue Anaconda
Zagazig University Stadium Sharkia SC Ultras Green Horses
Ultras Green Pirates
Sons of Oraby
Shebin Stadium Gomhoriat Shebin SC Ultras Balck Horses
El Mahalla Stadium Baladiyat El Mahalla SC Ultras Red Tigers 2011
Stadium Club Name
Stade Olympique de Radès ES Tunis Curva Sud Tunis
Ultras Lemkachkhines 2002
Zapatista Esperanza 2007
Fedayn Esperantistes 2009
Matadors 2008
Stade Olympique de Radès Club Africain Curva Nord Tunis
African Winners 1995
Leaders Clubistes 2003
North Vandals 2007Dodgers Clubistes 2007
Stade Hédi-Enneifer Stade Tunisien Ultras Bardo Boys 2002
Kaotic Group 2007
La Capitalo des Stadistes 2009
Obitorio 2013
Stade Taïeb Mhiri CS Sfaxien Curva Nord Sfax
Black & White Fighters 2003
Raged Boys 2007
Ultras Sfaxiens 2007
Stade Olympique de Sousse ES Sahel Curva Nord Sousse
Brigade Rouge 2001
Ultras Fanatics 2003
Ultras Saheliano 2007
Stade 15 October CA Bizertin Curva Nord Bizerte
Ultras Big Boss 2010
Ultras Marines 2005
Bizertinos Juniors 2009
Drughi Cabiste 2009
Stade Abdelaziz Chtioui AS Marsa Vikings Marsois 2011
Stade Mustapha Ben Jannet US Monastir Ultras Monastir 2009
Spartiates 2008
Power Marines 2003
Stade Olympique de Gabes Stade Gabésien Curva Sud Gabes
Verde Vikings 2011
Sparta Verde 2009
Mafiosa Boys 2010
Tramps Gabes 2009
Stade Olympique de Gabes Avenir sportif de Gabès Curva Nord Gabes
Ultras Eagles Gabes 2009
Ultras Samurai 2009
Ultras Rosso Nero 2012
Stade Hamda Elaoueni Jeunesse sportive kairouanaise Green Warriors 2008
Los Magicos Green Stars 2011
Salle couverte Taoufik-Bouhima Étoile sportive de Radès Ultras Radessien 2010
Salle couverte de Téboulba Aigle sportif de Téboulba Ultras Viking Teboulba 2009
Stade municipal de Kasserine Avenir sportif de Kasserine Ultras Fraxus 2011
Stade de Houmt Souk Association sportive de Djerba Ultras Green Boys 2007
Ultras Island Boys 2011
Ultras Reckless 2013
Stade Olympique de Radès Équipe de Tunisie de football Carthago Boys 2012

Libya

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
The Tripoli International Stadium Al-Ittihad Club (Tripoli) Ultras Teha Boys 2010
The Tripoli International Stadium Al Ahli SC (Tripoli) Ultras Flame Boys 2010
Ultras Green Monsters 2016
The Tripoli International Stadium Al-Madina SC Hawatuh Boys 2023
Martyrs of February Stadium Al-Ahly SC (Benghazi) Ultras Butchers 2009
Ultras Jazzara 2010
Martyrs of February Stadium Al-Nasr SC (Benghazi) Ultras Green Eagles 2010
Ultras Carboniera 2013
Martyrs of February Stadium Al Tahaddy SC Ultras Panthers Boys 2018
Misurata Stadium Asswehly SC Ultras Misurata Knights 2010
Misurata Stadium Alittihad Misurata SC Ultras Misurata Ghosts 2018
Al Bayda Stadium Al Akhdar SC Ultras Dour 2018
Al Khums Stadium Al Khums SC Ultras Hera Boys 2018
Ultras Alreyas Boys 2023
Sorman Stadium Rafik Sorman Ultras Rofa Warriors 2018
10 June Stadium Al Ta'awon SC Ultras Sa7ara 2018
Al marj Stadium Al-Morouj SC Ultras Crimson Snakes 2019
Derna Stadium Darnes SC Tribuna Ragazzi 2020
Jumayl Stadium Al-Mustaqbal (football club) Ultras Fighters 2021
Tobruk Stadium Al-Suqoor Club Ultras Dean Boys 2022
Zaawia Stadium Olympic Azzaweya Ultras Blue Castle 2023
Zuwara Stadium Aljazeera SC Ultras Yellow Army 2023

Sudan

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Al-Merrikh Stadium Al-Merrikh SC Ultras Jawareh 2008
Ultras Olympus Mons 13
Al-Hilal Stadium Al-Hilal SC Ultras Blue Lions 2008

Rwanda

[edit]
stadium club name
Amahoro Stadium Rayon Sports F.C. GIKUNDIRO FANS
Amahoro Stadium APR F.C. zone 5
Umuganda Stadium Etincelles F.C. Etincelles F.C. fans

Lesotho

[edit]
stadium club name
Hlotse Stadium Linare FC ULTRAS LINARES
Pitso Ground Matlama FC Ultras Matlama

South Africa

[edit]
stadium club name
Orlando Stadium Orlando Pirates F.C. The Sea Robbers
Amakhosi Stadium Kaizer Chiefs F.C. Amakhosi
Cape Town Stadium Cape Town City F.C. (2016) Ultras Blue Eagels
Free State Stadium Bloemfontein Celtic F.C. Unity Supporters
Cape Town Stadium Cape Town Spurs F.C. Urban Warriors

Asia

[edit]

Bangladesh

[edit]
Stadium Team Name Notes
Bashundhara Kings Arena Bashundhara Kings Bashundhara Kings Ultras First ever registered fan Ultras in Bangladesh.[58] It was founded in 2021.
National Stadium, Dhaka Bangladesh Bangladeshi Football Ultras First ever national team ultras in Bangladesh.

China

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Workers' Stadium Beijing Guoan FC The Royal Army (Chinese: 御林军)

India

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Kerala Blasters FC Manjappada
Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan East Bengal FC East Bengal Ultras
Thrissur Municipal Corporation Stadium Thrissur Magic FC Magic Brigade
Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Mohun Bagan Super Giant Mariners De Xtreme

Iraq

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Al-Shaab Stadium Al-Shorta SC Ultras Green Harp 2012
Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya Stadium Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya Ultras Blue Hawk 2012
Sulaymaniyah Stadium Sulaymaniya SC Ultras Sulaimaniy
Franso Hariri Stadium Erbil SC Ultras Qalla
Al-Zawra'a Stadium Al-Zawraa Ultras The Kings

Israel

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Bloomfield Stadium (football) Menora Mivtachim Arena (basketball) Hapoel Tel Aviv Ultras Hapoel 99
Teddy Stadium (football) Beitar Jerusalem F.C. La familia

Jordan

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Amman International Stadium Al-Faisaly SC Ultras Al Faisaly 2013
King Abdullah II Stadium Al-Wehdat SC Wehdaty Group 2012
Ultras Green Knights 2018

Palestine

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Dura International Stadium Shabab Al-Khalil SC Ultras Khalele 2011
Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium Hilal Al-Quds Club Group Hilaly

Saudi Arabia

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
King Abdullah Al-Ittihad Ultras Golden Tigers 2011
King Fahd Al Hilal Ultras Blue Wave 2011
KSU Stadium Al Nassr Ultras Al Aalami 2011
King Abdullah Al Ahli Ultras Al Malaki 2011

Syria

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Latakia Municipal Stadium Tishreen SC Ultras Eagles 2009
Al-Baath Stadium Jableh SC Ultras Blue Boys 2017
Khalid ibn al-Walid Stadium Al-Karamah SC Ultras Blue Sun
Deir ez-Zor Municipal Stadium Al-Fotuwa SC Ultras Blue Blood
Al-Jalaa Stadium Al-Wahda SC (Syria) Ultras Orange Pliiji
Latakia Municipal Stadium Hutteen SC Ultras Blues
Khalid ibn al-Walid Stadium Al-Sahel SC (Syria) Ultras Pirates 2017

United Arab Emirates

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Za'abeel Stadium Al Wasl SC Ultras Junoon

United Arab Emirates

[edit]

Al-Wasl SC[citation needed]

Ultras Junoon is an Emirati group that was founded in 2010 by the fans of Al-Wasl Club. This club is considered to have one of the largest fan bases in the Emirates, and Al-Wasl Club fans are considered the first club that came up with the idea of Ultras in the Gulf region. It is mentioned that Al Wasl fans were the main reason for increasing excitement in the region and increasing the viewership of the league in the Emirates, in particular. The Ultras Junoon have a great ability to preserve the history of this club, and they are close to making any decision in the interest of this club.

The (Death Note) Tifo Made by (Ultras Junoon 2010 )

Cambodia

[edit]

The ultras scene in Cambodia began on October 28, 2018, with the formation of Ultras Cambodia, a group dedicated to supporting the Cambodia national football team. Following this, club-specific ultras groups also emerged. Visakha FC supporters formed Ultras Visakha. and Ultras Svay Rieng, was established to support Svay Rieng FC.

Malaysia

[edit]

In Malaysia, the ultras scene is characterized by the presence of "Ultras Malaya," the largest supporter club dedicated to the Malaysia national football team. "Ultras Malaya" founded in 2007 but only made their first appearances during the 2008 Merdeka Tournament when Malaysia beat Nepal 4-0.[59]

"Ultras Malaya" boasts a diverse membership with fans from different ethnic backgrounds, states, and clubs across Malaysia. The group represents fans from all 14 states and other subdivisions within Malaysia. One of the most significant rivalries in Southeast Asian football is between "Ultras Malaya" and the fans of the Indonesia national football team. This rivalry is famously known as the "Nusantara derby" and has witnessed several intense clashes before, during, and after matches between the two nations, both on and off the field.

"Ultras Malaya" witnessed a gradual increase in its membership over the years, reaching its zenith during the AFF Suzuki Cup in 2014, when the number of members soared into the tens of thousands, although exact figures are not confirmed.

As time passed, UM07, the parent organization of "Ultras Malaya," expanded its reach by establishing subsidiary groups at the state and club levels across Malaysia. These subsidiary supporter groups are passionate in their support for both their local clubs and the national team. Here are some of the main ultras and supporters groups associated with specific states and clubs:

  • Johor Darul Ta'zim FC: "Boys of Straits" (Super League, formed in 2010)
  • Kedah Darul Aman FC: "Ultras Kedah 09" (Super League, founded on December 29, 2009)
  • Kelantan FC: "Gate H Boys" (M3 League, established in 2010)
  • Kuala Lumpur City FC: "Kuala Lumpur Ultras/Cityboys" (Super League, founded on February 28, 2011)
  • Melaka United: "Ultras Taming Sari" (Super League, established on January 11, 2011)
  • Negeri Sembilan FC: "Ultras Nogori 9" (Super League, formed on May 15, 2010)
  • Penang FC: "Ultras Panthers" (Super League, emerged in 2011)
  • Perak FC: "Silver State Ultras/The Supporters" (Premier League, established in April 2009)
  • Perlis FA: "Brigate Gialloblu Perlis" (Club Dissolved, formed around 2010 or 2011)
  • Sabah FC: "North Borneo Ultras" (Super League, founded on April 5, 2011)
  • Sarawak FA/Sarawak United: "GB13" (M3 League,[60] established in 2011)
  • Selangor FC: "UltraSel Curva" (Super League, formed in 2010)
  • Sri Pahang FC: "Elephant Army" (Super League, founded on February 3, 2010)
  • Terengganu FC: "Ultras Tranung" (Super League, established in 2010)
  • Kuching City FC: "Ultras IL Gatto" (Super League, established in 2020)

Within "Ultras Malaya," the role of the Capo is crucial in leading the chanting and energizing the crowd inside the stadium. One of the most well-known Capos of "Ultras Malaya" is Mohd Ridzuan Ahmad, also known as Lekir Haji Ahmad. His leadership and coordination skills have contributed to the vibrant and passionate atmosphere during Malaysia's football matches, making him a respected figure among the ultras community.

Japan

[edit]

The ultras scene in Japan began in 1992 with the formation of "Ultra Nippon," a group dedicated to supporting the Japan national football team. This movement quickly gained momentum, spreading across the country and leading to the creation of ultras groups for various club teams. Nagoya Grampus supporters formed "Ultras Nagoya," while Vegalta Sendai saw the establishment of "Ultras Vegalta Sendai." Urawa Red Diamonds are supported by the "Urawa Boys," and Gamba Osaka fans are organized under the name "Gamba Ultras." Cerezo Osaka also saw the formation of a group, known as "Cerezo Ultras,"

Lebanon

[edit]

The ultras scene was introduced to Lebanon in February 2018, with Nejmeh's "Ultras Supernova" and White ultras for racing Beirut 2019.[61][62][63] Their rivals Ansar quickly followed with their own ultras group, "I Tifosi", one month later.[62] Ahed formed their own ultras group, called "Ultras Yellow Inferno", the same year.[63] 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.[64] The fans have been returned to Lebanon by request of the Lebanese Ambassador to Cairo.[65]

India

[edit]
East Bengal ultras
Blue Pilgrims, 3D tifo
The 3D Blue Tiger tifo displayed by Blue Pilgrims in June 2018

The ultras scene in India was introduced by East Bengal Ultras, the ultras group of East Bengal FC, 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.[66]

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.[citation needed]

Stadium Club Name
Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata East Bengal FC East Bengal Ultras
Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata East Bengal FC East Bengal the Real Power
Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata Mohun Bagan AC Mariners Dé Xtreme
Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata Mohun Bagan AC Mariners' Base Camp[67]
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi Kerala Blasters FC Manjappada
Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengalore Bengaluru FC West Block Blues
Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai Mumbai City FC West Coast Brigade
G. M. C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad Hyderabad FC Deccan Legion
Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium,

Guwahati

NorthEast United FC Highlander Brigade

Iran

[edit]

Persepolis ultras of this association were registered by the club's fans association in 2014, and the place of these fans was registered at the 36th position Their place is in Azadi Stadium. Persepolis ultras are nicknamed the Red Army in Asia. They have a close competition with their long-time rival, Esteghlal, and they support their team with doza bombs and fabric designs.

Oceania

[edit]

Australia

[edit]
Melbourne Victory FC supporters at the 2007 A-League Grand Final
Stadium Club Name
Coopers Stadium, Adelaide Adelaide United FC Red Army
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Brisbane Roar FC The Den
Industree Group Stadium, Gosford Central Coast Mariners FC Yellow Army
AAMI Park, Melbourne Melbourne Victory FC North Terrace
AAMI Park, Melbourne Melbourne City FC Southside
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle Newcastle Jets FC Squadron Novocastria
HBF Park, Perth Perth Glory FC Shed End Perth
Allianz Stadium, Sydney Sydney FC The Cove
CommBank Stadium, Parramatta Western Sydney Wanderers FC Red and Black Bloc
Ironbark Fields, Tarneit Western United FC Western Service Crew

New Zealand

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Go Media Stadium, Auckland Auckland FC The Port
Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington Wellington Phoenix Yellow Fever

North America

[edit]

Canada

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Stade Saputo CF Montréal Brigade Montréal
132 Crew
Jeunesse Ultra 514
Bolos Crew
BMO Field Toronto FC La Banda Toronto

- Red Patch Boys

ATCO Field Cavalry FC Frontline Ultras
Wanderers Grounds HFX Wanderers FC Block 108 Ultras

United States

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Audi Field D.C. United District Ultras[68]
PayPal Park San Jose Earthquakes San Jose Ultras[69]
Red Bull Arena New York Red Bulls Torcida 96[70]
Subaru Park Philadelphia Union Keystone Ultras
Lumen Field Seattle Sounders FC Emerald City Supporters[71]
America First Field Real Salt Lake La Barra Real
Dignity Health Sports Park Los Angeles Galaxy Angel City Brigade
Providence Park Portland Timbers Timbers Army
BMO Stadium Los Angeles FC The 3252
Snapdragon Stadium San Diego FC Frontera SD
Yankee Stadium New York City FC Ultras NYC[72]
Keyworth Stadium Detroit City FC Northern Guard Supporters
Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium Phoenix Rising FC Los Bandidios football Firm[73]

Guatemala

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Estadio Cementos Progreso Comunicaciones FC VLTRA SVR
Anarkia Blanca
Los Fieles
Estadio El Trébol C.S.D. Municipal La Banda del Rojo
Mafia Roja
Ultras 5 Calderas
Estadio Guillermo Slowing Aurora FC Los Califachos
Estadio Mario Camposeco CSD Xelajú MC La Curva
Sexto Estado
Estadio Pensativo Antigua GFC La Curva del Panza
Estadio David Cordón Hichos CD Guastatoya Ultra Calvario
Estadio Carlos Salazar Hijo CSD Suchitepéquez La Ultra Azul Venada
Estadio Verapaz CD Cobán Imperial La 12 Ultra Azul
El Imperio 664
Estadio Santa Lucía C.D. Malacateco Ultra Toros
Estadio Municipal Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa F.C. Santa Lucía Ultra Azul
Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores Guatemala La Barra de Guate

El Salvador

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Estadio Óscar Quiteño C.D. FAS Turba Roja
Calejeros
Skizofrenos
Estadio Jorge "El Mágico" González Alianza FC La Ultra Blanca
Barra Brava 96
La Banda de la Capital
Estadio Juan Francisco Barraza C.D. Águila La Inmortal 12
La Banda de la Capital
Los Vagos
Estadio Sergio Torres C.D. Luis Ángel Firpo Furia Pampera
Prisioneros de la Caldera
Estadio Jorge "Calero" Suárez AD Isidro Metapán Furia Calera
Estadio Cuscatlán C.D. Atlético Marte Furia Azul

Honduras

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés Club Deportivo Olimpia Ultra Fiel
Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés F.C. Motagua Ultras Motagua
Estadio General Francisco Morazán Real C.D. España Brigadas
Estadio Yankel Rosenthal C.D. Marathón Furia Verde

Nicaragua

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Estadio Cacique Diriangén Diriangén FC Barra Cacique
Estadio Independencia Real Estelí FC Barra Kamikaze
Estadio Olímpico del IND Managua C.D. Walter Ferretti La Inigualable Banda Del ‘87
Estadio Carlos Fonseca Matagalpa FC Ultra 12 Septentrion
Estadio Municipal de Sébaco Club Sport Sebaco Barra Brava
Estadio Alejandro Ramos ART Municipal Jalapa Barras Muchas
Estadio Glorias del Beisbol Segoviano Deportivo Ocotal Tu Barra Ultra Fieles

Costa Rica

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto Liga Deportiva Alajuelense LA 12
Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero C.S. Herediano La Garra Herediana
Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá Deportivo Saprissa La Ultra Morada

Panama

[edit]
Stadium Club Name
Estadio Armando Dely Valdés C.D. Árabe Unido BARRA ATLANTICA
Estadio Maracaná (Panama) C.D. Plaza Amador Barra Plazina
Cancha de Entrenamiento Luis Tapia Sporting San Miguelito La Barra Académica
Estadio Agustín Sánchez C.A. Independiente de La Chorrera Ultra Roja
Chicas Ultras
Estadio Rommel Fernández Panama La Extrema Roja

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Ultras are organized collectives of association football supporters originating in Italy during the late 1960s, unified by their intense, unwavering loyalty to their club manifested through coordinated vocal chants, pyrotechnic displays, and elaborate visual choreographies called tifos. These groups typically claim designated sections of stadiums as their territory, fostering a sense of community and ritualistic performance that enhances match atmospheres but often involves rejection of modern football's commercialization. While celebrated for generating unparalleled passion and visual spectacles that contribute to club identity and fan engagement, ultras have been linked to significant controversies including organized violence, hooliganism, and occasional political extremism, with empirical studies documenting clashes resulting in injuries and fatalities across Europe and beyond. Their global spread since the 1970s has adapted local variations, from apolitical loyalty in some contexts to nationalist or ideological affiliations in others, influencing supporter culture while prompting regulatory crackdowns by authorities and governing bodies wary of public disorder. Despite bans and disbandments in response to recurrent disturbances, ultras persist as a defining subculture, balancing cultural contributions like anti-establishment protests against ticket price hikes with the causal risks of territorial rivalries escalating into physical confrontations.

Origins and Historical Development

Definition and Etymology

Ultras are organized collectives of supporters distinguished by their fervent, coordinated displays of loyalty, including choreographed tifos, pyrotechnic use, rhythmic chanting, and territorial presence in stadium sections, primarily to amplify team morale and intimidate rivals. These groups emphasize over individual , often rejecting commercialized aspects of modern football in favor of traditional, passionate engagement that can border on ritualistic. While their contributions to match atmospheres are widely acknowledged, ultras have frequently been linked to , inter-group violence, and discriminatory behaviors, though not all groups uniformly exhibit these traits. The term "ultras" derives from the Latin "ultra," signifying "beyond" or "extreme," adapted in Italian as "ultrà" to denote supporters exceeding conventional fan devotion in intensity and organization. It emerged in during the late amid evolving spectator cultures influenced by post-war youth movements and opposition to sanitized stadium experiences. The inaugural ultras outfit, ("Lions' Den"), formed on December 1, 1968, to back at , exemplifying this shift toward structured, militant-style support that prioritized visual spectacle and unwavering allegiance. By the early 1970s, similar formations like Commando Ultra' for solidified the nomenclature, spreading the model across Italian Serie A clubs before global adoption.

Emergence in Italy (1960s-1970s)

The ultras phenomenon originated in during the late 1960s, emerging from a backdrop of social upheaval, including the student protests and broader youth rebellion against established norms, which spilled into football stadiums as terraces became arenas for organized fan expression. These groups distinguished themselves from traditional adult supporters by their youthful composition—typically ages 15 to 25—and adoption of paramilitary-like structures, including hierarchies, banners, and coordinated chants, drawing partial inspiration from English football hooligan mods but emphasizing territorial control of stadium curves () over mere disorder. The inaugural ultras group is widely recognized as ("Lion's Den"), formed on December 1, 1968, by supporters of in the popular Sud stand at stadium, marking the first instance of such formalized organization in Italian football. This group pioneered elements like large-scale banners (striscioni), flares, and rhythmic support to amplify team morale, quickly gaining influence through their disciplined presence and rejection of passive spectatorship. Shortly thereafter, in 1969, Ultras Sampdoria appeared at Genoa's Luigi Ferraris stadium, notable as the first group to explicitly adopt the term "ultras," derived from "ultra" to signify extreme devotion beyond conventional fandom. Throughout the 1970s, ultras proliferated across clubs, with Inter Milan's Boys SAN forming around 1969 and influencing subsequent groups through their emphasis on loyalty and anti-commercial stances, while Juventus saw early organized curves by Torino rivals like the Fedelissimi Granata in the late . By the mid-1970s, virtually every major Italian club hosted its own ultras faction, evolving tactics to include choreographed displays and vocal dominance of matches, though inter-group rivalries occasionally escalated into violence, foreshadowing later . This rapid expansion reflected football's role as a cultural outlet amid Italy's "Years of Lead" political violence, with ultras importing piazza-style into stadia, though initial alignments varied between left-leaning student influences and emerging right-wing identities.

Expansion in Europe (1980s-1990s)

The ultras style, pioneered in during the 1960s and , extended to neighboring Southern European countries in the , influenced by cross-border matches, fan exchanges, and the appeal of organized choreography and territorial displays. In , the first ultra groups emerged shortly after the hosted there, as supporters mimicked Italian visual spectacles while incorporating elements of English hooligan firm aggression to assert dominance in stadiums. These formations coincided with 's post-Franco, providing a outlet for youth identity amid social flux, with groups like at crystallizing in 1981 to coordinate tifos and chants. In , Italian-inspired ultras took root at clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, where the Boulogne Boys formed in 1985 in the ' Boulogne stand, emphasizing pyrotechnics and choreographed support modeled on curves. This adoption reflected southern 's geographic proximity to and migration flows, though northern French groups often blended it with local hooligan traditions. By the late 1980s, similar dynamics appeared in , with Köln's ultras group established in 1986 by Italian immigrant fans, marking an early bridge to despite the dominance of pre-existing hooligan scenes. The 1990s saw accelerated diffusion into Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, facilitated by the fall of communist regimes and increased Western media exposure. In post-Velvet Revolution , Alkyfans at Spartak formed in the early 1990s, directly drawing from Italian prototypes for their choreographies and anti-establishment ethos. The style proliferated in the former , extensions, , and , where groups adapted ultras tactics to local nationalisms and rivalries, often amplifying matchday atmospheres but also inter-fan clashes. This era's growth intertwined with rising commercialization of football, prompting ultras to emphasize anti-commercial as a core tenet.

Globalization and Modern Evolution (2000s-2025)

The ultras style, originating in Italy, achieved global dominance by the 2000s, spreading from Southern Europe to Northern and Eastern Europe, North Africa, Latin America, Asia, and beyond through television broadcasts, internet dissemination, and supporter migrations. This expansion transformed ultras into the prevailing form of organized football fandom worldwide, with groups adopting core elements like coordinated chants, tifos, and pyrotechnics while adapting to local contexts. In , ultras integrated with pre-existing organized supporter cultures such as Brazil's torcidas organizadas and Argentina's barras bravas, enhancing displays with European-inspired choreography; for instance, ' La 12, active since the , continued to exemplify intense loyalty and territorial claims into the . In , experienced a surge of ultras groups starting in the early , with supporter sections like those of Seattle Sounders' Supporters fostering passionate atmospheres amid the league's commercial growth. North African ultras proliferated in the 2000s, with hosting influential groups like those of Raja Casablanca, renowned for large-scale choreographies and flares, while Egypt's , established in 2007 for Al Ahly, combined fervent support with occasional social activism, including chants against authority during the 2011 uprising. In , ultras emerged amid rising football popularity, as seen in where groups like Persib Bandung's adopted hierarchical structures and , though often marred by inter-group violence, such as the 2018 clashes leading to fatalities. Asian ultras gained traction in the 2000s and 2010s, with Japan's Urawa Reds Boys exemplifying disciplined support in the J-League, and India's Ultras forming around 2013 to deliver s and chants in the . In the Middle East, UAE's Al Wasl Ultras Junoon produced elaborate "" s by the 2010s, reflecting the style's adaptation to professionalizing leagues. From the onward, ultras evolved amid heightened stadium security and surveillance, which polarized groups and prompted innovations like digital coordination via for tifo planning, while reinforcing anti-commercial resistance against all-seater stadiums and corporate ownership. Despite and bans on —enforced more stringently post-2010 incidents—groups persisted with underground production and symbolic defiance. Cross-continental studies by 2024 identified consistent traits like identity preservation and anti-establishment sentiment, underscoring ultras' resilience against globalization's homogenizing forces in football.

Cultural and Organizational Features

Group Structure and Hierarchy

Ultras groups exhibit a centered on a leader, often termed the capo ultrà in Italian-origin groups, who exercises executive control over core decisions such as choreography coordination, travel logistics, and . This figure, typically emerging from the founding members or long-standing loyalists, directs a small inner circle or responsible for operational roles, including finance, recruitment, and security. Subgroups or factions within the larger firm are commonly structured by territorial affiliation, such as neighborhoods or city districts, or by demographic factors like age—evident in youth sections (settori giovanili) that handle and of new members—or functional specialization, including dedicated units for , banner production, or confrontations with rivals. These subunits maintain in day-to-day tasks but defer to the capo's overarching authority, enforcing internal codes of conduct through rituals, dues collection, and expulsion for disloyalty. In Italian contexts, this setup fosters a tribal-like discipline, with membership often requiring proven commitment via attendance thresholds or participation in high-risk activities. Variations occur across regions; European ultras, particularly in and , emphasize rigid hierarchies to sustain territorial claims and rival dynamics, while some Latin American barra bravas integrate more fluid leadership tied to local power brokers, and Egyptian groups like prioritize collective attendance over formal heads, organizing via consensus in protest-like mobilizations. This adaptability reflects local socio-political influences, yet the prevalence of capo-led models underscores ultras' evolution from informal gatherings to structured entities capable of mass coordination, as seen in sustained boycotts or choreographed displays involving thousands.

Visual Displays, Pyrotechnics, and Choreography

Ultras groups create elaborate visual displays, most notably tifos, which involve massive banners, mosaic patterns formed by colored cards or sheets, and coordinated flag arrangements unveiled across entire sections to depict club symbols, historical events, or provocative messages toward opponents. These spectacles, integral to ultras identity, emerged in during the late alongside the rise of organized ultras fandom and subsequently proliferated across and beyond, serving functions such as reinforcing territorial claims within and amplifying pre-match tension. Choreography in ultras encompasses synchronized actions, including wave-like undulations, human formations mimicking or battle scenes, and timed reveals integrated with drumming and vocal performances to produce dynamic, theater-like sequences that dominate the auditory and visual environment. Such coordinated efforts demand extensive , often involving subgroups dedicated to like material procurement and , and are executed to foster collective euphoria while projecting group cohesion and defiance against commercialized football norms. In contexts like Swedish groups, these pre-game visual explicitly aim to transform static stands into , heightening emotional investment before kickoff. Pyrotechnics, encompassing flares, smoke bombs, and bengala sticks, constitute a hallmark of ultras visual enhancement, generating plumes of colored smoke, bursts of flame, and acrid scents that envelop supporter zones and symbolize unyielding passion or rebellion against matchday restrictions. Adopted widely since the 1970s in Italian ultras scenes to assert autonomy amid growing stadium controls, these devices create immersive spectacles but carry inherent risks, including burns, respiratory irritation from nanoparticle emissions, and potential for crowd panic or property damage. Despite near-universal prohibitions—such as UEFA's blanket bans on ignited pyrotechnics since the 1980s and national laws like the UK's 2023 criminalization of flare possession at events—ultras persist in their deployment, viewing it as cultural resistance, though empirical studies attribute usage to peer influence, ritualistic bonding, and deliberate norm-breaking over mere spectacle. Incidents, including match postponements from pitch fires and supporter injuries, underscore the tension between atmospheric innovation and safety imperatives, with authorities imposing fines, bans, and enhanced surveillance in response.

Chants, Songs, and Atmosphere Creation

Ultras groups emphasize continuous, synchronized chanting and as core elements of their matchday rituals, distinguishing their support from passive spectatorship by fostering a relentless auditory presence that amplifies team morale and disorients opponents. These vocal displays typically involve repetitive, rhythmic phrases adapted from folk tunes, military cadences, or , often led by group captains using megaphones or drums to maintain across hundreds or thousands of participants. Such coordination not only unifies the group but also generates decibel levels exceeding 120 dB in sections like Italy's Curva Sud at matches, creating a sonic barrier that influences player performance through heightened adrenaline and pressure. Songs frequently incorporate themes of unwavering , regional identity, or antagonism toward rivals, with evolving organically within groups to reflect current events or player exploits; for instance, Serbian ultras like those of Partizan Belgrade adapt Orthodox hymns into battle-like anthems that invoke historical narratives. This practice traces to European football's post-World War II era, where chants borrowed from partisan resistance songs—such as adaptations of "" by select groups—served to reclaim public space and assert cultural dominance in stadiums. Empirical studies on synchronous chanting reveal it boosts in-group cohesion and perceived among supporters, effectively transforming the terrace into a ritualistic space where collective identity overrides individual fatigue during 90-minute matches. The atmosphere created extends beyond mere noise, functioning as a psychological weapon: research on Moroccan ultras' multilingual chants, blending , French, and Darija with affricated sounds for emphasis, demonstrates how linguistic heightens emotional intensity and political signaling, intimidating foes while reinforcing territorial claims. In high-stakes derbies, such as those in involving ' La 12, sustained vocal barrages correlate with measurable drops in visiting teams' passing accuracy, attributed to the disorienting "" effect. Ultras' aversion to commercial interruptions ensures chants persist unbroken, prioritizing organic fervor over scripted entertainment and sustaining an environment where fan investment directly impacts game dynamics.

Anti-Commercialism and Fan Loyalty

Ultras groups frequently express opposition to the of football, encapsulated in the "Against Modern Football" that critiques corporate ownership, escalating ticket prices, and the prioritization of profit over . This stance stems from a that such developments alienate core, working-class supporters by transforming stadiums into venues for transient, affluent spectators rather than communal rituals rooted in local identity. Many ultras invoke imagery of football's pre-commercial "," using retro symbols in displays to protest modern encroachments like all-seater stadiums and pervasive sponsorships. This anti-commercial ethos manifests in organized protests and boycotts targeting policies that inflate costs or favor revenue over fan access. For instance, in March 2025, Inter Milan's Curva Nord ultras announced a of choreographed displays and chants, decrying "shamefully expensive" prices that reached €800 for premium seats, arguing they exclude loyal supporters in favor of tourists. Similarly, Celtic's joined rival fans in May 2025 to soaring Scottish league ticket costs, halting organized support to highlight how erodes affordability for lifelong attendees. In , ultras at clubs like Bayern have backed member-led actions against price hikes, such as the November 2024 by 36,000 members over Champions League ticket increases, viewing them as symptomatic of broader . These actions underscore ultras' role in pressuring clubs, as seen when Manchester City froze 2025-26 prices following fan demonstrations. Fan loyalty among ultras is characterized by independence from club management and commercial interests, with groups self-financing operations through membership dues and merchandise to preserve autonomy and resist co-optation. This loyalty prioritizes unwavering support for the team's historical and territorial identity over on-field success or financial incentives, distinguishing ultras from casual or "plastic" fans who may follow winners. In Poland, Legia Warsaw's ultras exemplify this by maintaining separation from club commercialization efforts, which have strained relations amid modernization drives since the 2010s. Such fidelity fosters a subculture where attendance and rituals persist despite poor results or bans, reinforcing communal bonds against commodified alternatives like pay-per-view broadcasts.

Ideological and Political Aspects

Nationalism, Identity, and Territorial Claims

Ultras groups assert territorial dominance within stadiums by claiming and fortifying specific sectors, such as the curva sud or curva nord in Italian football venues, where they erect permanent banners displaying group insignias, symbols like skulls or regional emblems, and enforce exclusivity through physical presence and occasional violence against encroaching rivals or authorities. This practice originated in during the 1960s-1970s, evolving into a core element of ultras culture where abandoning a claimed space, even temporarily, signals disloyalty, as seen in transfers to away games requiring sustained territorial markers. Such claims extend beyond the pitch to choreographed displays (tifos) that visually map club territories, reinforcing a sense of ownership over physical and symbolic spaces. These territorial assertions intertwine with regional identities, positioning football clubs as emblems of local or provincial in rivalries that embody geographic and cultural competitions, such as the Sicilian derby between and or the Tuscan clashes between and , where ultras chants and banners invoke historical enmities tied to legacies. In Eastern Europe, ultras amplify subnational identities, as in the Silesian derbies between teams like and , where fan confrontations symbolize control over industrial heartlands. manifests more overtly in contexts of ethnic tension, such as in , , where FK Velež's Crvena Armija ultras occupy the eastern bank of the River—aligned with Bosniak areas—and display founding dates (1922 for the club, 1981 for the group) without overt ethnic symbols, while HŠK Zrinjski's Ultras Zrinjski Mostar dominate the western, Croat-dominated Bijeli Brijeg stadium with motifs, references, and 1994 founding markers, perpetuating a divide tracing the 1992-1995 war front line through tagging wars and segregated support. In Poland, ultras' national ideology operates as an "occasional" resistance framework rather than a constant creed, articulated through sporadic choreographies and chants glorifying defense against external threats, though national themes remain subordinate to club loyalty in most displays. This pattern underscores how ultras forge collective identities by blending territorial with selective , often prioritizing local over unified national allegiance, as evidenced by minimal ultras support for Italy's national team during the 1982 despite domestic fervor. Broader Balkan examples, including post-Yugoslav fragmentations, further illustrate ultras channeling ethnic nationalisms into territorial rivalries, where stadium zones mirror societal fault lines and fan actions sustain irredentist narratives.

Predominant Right-Wing Alignments

Many ultras groups, particularly those originating in during the and , have developed strong right-wing ideological leanings, often incorporating , traditionalism, and anti-immigration sentiments. This alignment stems from the subculture's roots in working-class youth movements that rejected both mainstream commercialism and leftist ideologies prevalent in European academia and media. Scholarly analyses trace these tendencies to the influence of fascist youth groups and opposition to perceived cultural dilution, with groups like AS Roma's Fedayn and 's Irriducibili displaying explicit neo-fascist symbols such as Celtic crosses and salutes during matches. In , where ultras culture emerged, surveys and ethnographic studies indicate that a majority of prominent factions align with right-wing extremism, including ties to parties like and Forza Nuova. For instance, Hellas Verona's ultras have been documented chanting fascist slogans and displaying Hitler imagery, reflecting a broader pattern where territorial loyalty intersects with ethno-nationalist identity. This predominance is evidenced by over 20 documented cases of ultras involvement in far-right rallies between 2000 and 2020, often facilitated by shared anti-globalist and anti-EU views. Across Europe, similar patterns prevail in countries like Poland and , where ultras groups such as Legia Warsaw's emphasize Catholic and anti-communist rhetoric, aligning with right-wing parties that garner fan support. Quantitative data from fan surveys show Polish ultras overwhelmingly endorsing conservative or ultra-right positions, with left-wing ideology nearly absent. In , PSG's Boulogne Boys historically promoted neo-Nazi ideologies until disbanded in 2010 following violent incidents. These alignments persist despite occasional apolitical facades, driven by causal factors like opposition to and stadium commercialization, which resonate with right-wing critiques of liberal elites. Empirical patterns reveal that right-wing ultras often engage in alliances with political extremists for , as seen in Italy's mafia-ultras-far-right uncovered in 2024 investigations involving and groups. While media reports from left-leaning outlets may amplify these connections to stigmatize fandom, primary evidence from police records and fan ethnographies confirms the ideological skew, attributing it to organic emergence from subcultural resistance rather than top-down imposition.

Left-Wing and Apolitical Exceptions

The ultras supporting in , , represent a prominent left-wing exception within the broader ultras , characterized by explicit anti-fascist , opposition to , , and homophobia, and a focus on egalitarian social principles rather than or traditionalism. This ideological orientation developed in the amid Europe's rising hooligan , with St. Pauli's fan scene emphasizing political engagement and community solidarity over territorial rivalries, including the adoption of the skull-and-crossbones symbol as an anti-authoritarian emblem. The group's left-leaning identity has positioned it in opposition to right-wing supporters of rival clubs, such as those of Hansa , leading to clashes framed around ideological divides rather than mere sporting enmity. In , the Brigate Autonome Livornesi (BAL), formed in 1999 and supporting AS Livorno Calcio, exemplify left-wing ultras through their embrace of communist iconography, including Che Guevara imagery and red flags, tied to 's historical status as a communist stronghold since the Italian Communist Party's founding there in 1921. These supporters have demonstrated solidarity with international left-wing causes, such as Palestinian rights and , via banners and displays, distinguishing them from the fascist-leaning ultras prevalent in . BAL's actions, including protests against club commercialization, align with anti-establishment leftism, though internal factionalism has occasionally diluted unified political messaging. Apolitical ultras groups, which prioritize choreographed support, , and anti-commercial loyalty without overt ideological symbols, constitute rarer exceptions amid the politicized nature of continental fan cultures. In leagues like Germany's , fan observers note that many clubs' ultras avoid strong partisan leans, focusing instead on matchday rituals over political banners, though explicit apolitical declarations remain uncommon as social identities often infiltrate displays. Such groups challenge the of ultras as inherently right-wing by emphasizing football purity, but their scarcity underscores how ultras formations frequently draw from local ethnic or class-based tensions that foster politicization.

Ties to Broader Social Movements

Ultras groups, while primarily devoted to football , have in certain contexts extended their organizational tactics—such as coordinated chants, pyrotechnics, and crowd mobilization—to broader social protests, particularly in and the where stadium culture intersects with youth disenfranchisement and regime challenges. This involvement often stems from ultras' honed resistance to authority figures like police and officials, repurposed for street demonstrations, though such extensions remain sporadic and not representative of all groups. In , ultras from clubs Al Ahly (Ultras Ahlawy) and (Ultras White Knights) played pivotal roles in the 2011 Tahrir Square uprising against President , supplying battle-tested strategies from years of clashes with security forces; on January 25, 2011, they formed human chains to protect protesters, deployed flares for signaling, and adapted stadium chants into revolutionary slogans, contributing to the mobilization of hundreds of thousands. Their non-ideological, apolitical structure—focused on rather than partisan agendas—enabled cross-group alliances, contrasting with traditional opposition parties' fragmentation, though post-revolution tensions arose, including the 2012 that killed 74 and was attributed by some to regime retaliation against ultras' activism. Moroccan ultras, emerging prominently since the early 2010s amid youth marginalization, have channeled stadium defiance into campaigns against club mismanagement and socioeconomic grievances; groups like the Green Boys of Raja Casablanca initiated drives and protests in 2016, while the Winners of Wydad Casablanca confronted federation officials, framing football governance as emblematic of broader state failures in providing opportunities for urban youth. This evolution positions ultras as quasi-social movements, offering marginalized males aged 15-25 a surrogate for absent structures, though their actions risk co-optation by political actors. In , ultras have sustained resistance against post-2011 authoritarian backsliding, using stadiums as sites of dissent; by 2025, groups challenged government matchday restrictions and economic policies through coordinated disruptions, infusing broader youth-led movements with tactical discipline derived from fan rivalries. European examples are rarer and more ideologically tinted, such as Italian ultras from Roma and voicing anti-globalization sentiments in the early 2000s by opposing perceived U.S. , but these ties emphasize symbolic opposition over sustained participation. Overall, ultras' forays into social movements highlight causal links between football's ritualized confrontation and real-world contention, yet empirical patterns show limited scalability beyond localized, youth-centric contexts due to internal factionalism and legal crackdowns.

Organizational Rivalries and Combat Tactics

Ultra groups frequently maintain internal hierarchies with dedicated subgroups or affiliated firms tasked with engaging rival supporters from opposing clubs, mirroring intense club derbies such as between Roma and ultras or Polish clashes between and factions. These organizational rivalries extend beyond match days, fostering networks that coordinate off-site confrontations to assert dominance and settle scores. Combat tactics prioritize pre-arranged battles, termed "ustawki" in Poland or "setups" across , involving equal-sized groups meeting in isolated areas like forests or industrial zones to evade authorities. Participants prepare through structured training regimens, including gym sessions, practice, and endurance drills, emphasizing physical prowess and tactical discipline over spontaneous disorder. Engagements typically begin with verbal challenges followed by mass rushes, employing formation-based advances akin to rugby scrums but without rules, aiming to overwhelm opponents through coordinated strikes. Armaments in these skirmishes favor improvised weapons such as bats, chains, and knives, with stricter codes prohibiting guns in most intra-fan disputes to prolong fights and test mettle, though exceptions occur in vendettas. Russian ultra firms, for instance, demonstrated this approach during Euro 2016, executing rapid, synchronized assaults on English supporters using fists and bottles before dispersing efficiently. Italian ultras exhibit similar calculation, incorporating ambushes and vehicle-based mobility, as evidenced by hierarchical planning that has led to fatalities from edged weapons in rival ambushes. Such methods reflect a deliberate evolution from chaotic brawls to militarized operations, driven by and inter-group emulation.

Major Historical Incidents

One of the most notorious incidents involving ultras occurred on February 2, 2007, during the Sicilian derby between and in . Violence escalated outside the , where Catania ultras threw fireworks, flares, and an ammonia-filled capsule that exploded, killing police officer Filippo Raciti, aged 38, who was attempting to control the crowd. The match was abandoned amid clashes that injured dozens, prompting Italian authorities to suspend all professional and amateur football matches nationwide for several days and enact emergency decrees limiting fan access and enhancing stadium security. This event underscored the ultras' use of improvised weapons in territorial rivalries, with Catania's ultras groups, such as Curva Nord Catania, implicated in premeditated aggression against rivals and authorities. Less than ten months later, on November 11, 2007, another crisis unfolded when ultras fan Gabriele Sandri, a 26-year-old supporter traveling to a match against Juventus, was fatally shot in the neck by Luigi Spaccarotella at a motorway rest stop near . The shooting occurred amid skirmishes between and Juventus fans, with Spaccarotella firing a that pierced the car's windshield. In response, ultras across rioted, vandalizing stations, setting fires, and clashing with police in cities including , , and , leading to the suspension of all and B matches for a week and heightened scrutiny of ultras-police tensions. Investigations revealed Sandri's affiliation with 's Irriducibili ultras, a group known for organized combat tactics, highlighting how fan deaths often catalyze broader ultras mobilization against perceived state overreach. These events in , where ultras violence directly contributed to fatalities and systemic disruptions, marked a turning point in European football governance, accelerating bans on away fans and while exposing the causal links between ultras' hierarchical structures and escalated confrontations. Earlier precedents, such as sporadic clashes in the and 1980s tied to emerging ultras groups in and , involved injuries and isolated deaths but lacked the scale of national shutdowns seen in . Empirical patterns from these incidents reveal ultras' rivalries as drivers of proactive , often independent of match outcomes, rather than mere spontaneous crowd reactions.

Recent Developments and Extremist Involvements (2010s-2025)

In the 2010s, ultras-affiliated hooligans orchestrated large-scale violence at international tournaments, most notably during in , where around 150 trained Russian supporters—many from ultras groups—launched coordinated assaults on fans using techniques and filmed attacks with head-mounted cameras, injuring over 100 people and prompting to threaten Russia's expulsion. French prosecutors identified these perpetrators as highly organized, with prior combat training, distinguishing their actions from spontaneous disorder. Italian ultras deepened ties to and ideological throughout the period, with the 'Ndrangheta infiltrating supporter factions of and to control ticket , drug trafficking, and violence; a September 2024 operation arrested 19 individuals, dismantling key groups through evidence of murders and intimidation. In June 2025, an Italian court sentenced 16 ultras from these clubs to 2–10 years in prison for association, including a 2018 double homicide linked to rival faction disputes. Such criminal networks extended beyond economics, allying with far-right elements for muscle in political rallies and anti-migrant actions, as bosses exploited ultras' territorial and combat readiness. Lazio ultras exemplified persistent ideological , displaying fascist symbols and chants; in 2019, they unveiled a banner praising , while 2024 incidents included racist monkey chants at —leading to a stand closure—and detentions for possessing chains, hammers, and batons before Europa League matches against . A supporter was arrested in in March 2024 for a in a historic Nazi-linked , amid group singing of fascist songs before a Bayern Munich clash. Geopolitical extensions emerged, particularly with Russian ultras joining the Russo-Ukrainian conflict; since 2014, groups like Espanola—composed of Spartak Moscow and other club hooligans—fought in Donbas as irregular forces, evolving into a sanctioned private military company by 2024, with members patrolling occupied Mariupol in 2023 using football chants for morale. By the 2020s, ultras violence surged via social media-coordinated ""-style brawls in remote European locations, evading stadium bans and amplifying hooligan networks across borders. In , incidents of ultras threats, , and assaults on players rose exponentially over the prior decade, per federation data, intertwining fan loyalty with criminal coercion. Broader European trends showed ultras blending with socio-political unrest, heightening public order risks at matches amid fears of repeats like Euro 2024 clashes.

Empirical Patterns and Causal Factors

Empirical patterns of violence among ultras groups reveal a predominance of organized, intergroup confrontations rather than indiscriminate crowd disturbances. These incidents often involve pre-arranged fights between rival factions, conducted away from stadiums with negotiated rules—such as equal numbers, no weapons, and focus on combatants—to uphold collective reputation and generate excitement, as documented in Dutch cases like PSV Eindhoven versus Roda JC in 2012. Participants in such planned clashes tend to be older (average age 25.5 years) with extensive prior violent records (84% with offenses), contrasting with spontaneous violence driven by immediate triggers. Across Europe, football-related violence correlates with a 17% spike in overall violent crime on match days, particularly among young males outside stadium areas, though ultras-specific incidents remain a subset focused on rival hooligan targets rather than the general public. Criminal linkages amplify these patterns, especially in and the , where ultras serve as muscle for syndicates. In , mafia groups like the 'Ndrangheta have infiltrated ultras for , ticket scalping, and , culminating in 2025 convictions of and ultras leaders to terms up to 10 years for crimes including on behalf of criminal networks. Similarly, in the Western , 21 of 122 identified fan groups—many ultras-style—engage in tied to drug trafficking and political , with Serbian and Bosnian factions exemplifying overlaps between fan and illicit economies. These ties manifest in resource flows, such as crime proceeds funding group activities, and reciprocal use of ultras for , though not all groups exhibit such integration. Causal factors emphasize group-level dynamics over individual pathology or socioeconomic deprivation, consistent with social identity theories positing that perceived outgroup threats—intensified by rivalries—mobilize ultras for defensive aggression and status assertion. Within groups, bonding through shared rituals and hierarchies incentivizes violence as a pathway to prestige and thrill, with planned fights serving less as rivalry outlets and more as reputational maintenance. Individual contributors include alcohol, which correlates with disinhibition among hooligan subsets, and psychological draws like adrenaline and belonging, though evidence refutes alcohol as a primary driver absent group context. Environmental triggers, such as high-stakes derbies and post-match gatherings, heighten risks by concentrating motivated actors, while criminal entanglements arise from ultras' hierarchical structures mirroring those of syndicates, facilitating co-option for mutual gain in high-unemployment regions.

Societal Impacts and Responses

Contributions to Fan Culture and Community Cohesion

Ultras groups have significantly enhanced football fan culture through their organized displays, including large-scale tifos and routines that transform stadium atmospheres into immersive spectacles. These visual elements, often involving banners, flags, and , create a unified aesthetic that amplifies matchday excitement and distinguishes supporter sections from passive spectatorship. Such practices originated in during the late 1960s and spread globally, influencing fan behaviors across continents by prioritizing collective expression over individual viewing. Empirical studies on ultras rituals, such as chanting and coordinated movements, demonstrate their role in fostering identity fusion among members, where personal and group identities merge to produce intense loyalty and emotional bonds. This fusion mechanism strengthens internal group cohesion, enabling sustained participation in support activities that reinforce a sense of belonging, particularly among diverse socioeconomic backgrounds united by club . Research indicates that these rituals contribute to broader social cohesion effects in , as supporters from varied ages, classes, and origins converge in shared rituals, mitigating everyday social divisions through common purpose. Beyond aesthetics, ultras promote community cohesion by establishing structured hierarchies and traditions within supporter groups, which provide frameworks for long-term and mutual support. Groups often organize away travel, pre-match gatherings, and post-game social events, cultivating networks that extend into and preserve club heritage against . While internal exclusivity can limit broader integration, the demonstrable uptick in stadium attendance and atmosphere intensity attributable to ultras activities underscores their net positive influence on vitality.

Criticisms: Racism, Intimidation, and Public Safety Risks

Ultras groups have faced widespread criticism for engaging in racist behavior, including chants, banners, and gestures targeting players based on ethnicity or skin color. In Italy, Lazio's ultras have repeatedly been implicated in such incidents; for instance, in April 2019, supporters displayed a banner honoring Benito Mussolini and directed racist abuse at AC Milan player Tiémoué Bakayoko. Similarly, in January 2023, Lazio fans subjected Lecce defender Samuel Umtiti to racist chants, prompting the player to leave the pitch in distress. These actions often stem from the right-wing and neo-fascist affiliations prevalent in certain ultras subgroups, contributing to anti-Semitic and xenophobic displays as well. Intimidation tactics employed by ultras extend to players, coaches, referees, and even club officials, frequently involving threats and physical confrontations. Italian ultras have issued threats to athletes, such as in 2013 when Nocerina supporters delayed a match and allegedly threatened opposing players. More recently, in 2024, ultras displayed a banner threatening defender with violence outside his home. Such behaviors are exacerbated by ties to , enabling systematic pressure on individuals within the sport. Public safety risks posed by ultras include large-scale violence, riots, and clashes that endanger fans, bystanders, and law enforcement. In Europe, football match days correlate with a 17% increase in violent crime, incurring annual social costs estimated at 58 million euros in affected leagues. Ultras-linked hooliganism has led to injuries and fatalities; for example, armed confrontations involving groups like Lazio's Irriducibili have resulted in attacks with weapons such as chains and hammers. Recent trends show rising incidents, with a 14% uptick in football-related arrests in the UK alone over the past year, underscoring the broader threat to stadium and public order. These patterns highlight how ultras' organized nature amplifies risks beyond spontaneous fan disorder.

Regulatory Measures, Bans, and Policing Strategies

Regulatory measures against ultras primarily involve stadium access prohibitions, travel restrictions, and prohibitions on pyrotechnic displays, enforced by national authorities, football governing bodies, and to mitigate violence and disorder. In , the DASPO (Divieto di Accesso alle Manifestazioni Sportive) system imposes individualized or group bans on attendance at matches, often extending to non-sporting events for those convicted of violence or related crimes; as of 2023, over 6,300 such orders were active, with durations up to five years or more for severe cases, such as the 27-year collective ban issued to five ultras in 2025 for out-of-context offenses. These measures, expanded post-2007 reforms, target ultras' organized nature by linking bans to on group affiliations, though critics argue they sometimes ensnare non-violent associates via proximity rules. UEFA enforces continent-wide standards through its Safety and Security Regulations, prohibiting pyrotechnics in stadia due to inherent risks like burns and evacuations, with no safe usage deemed possible based on independent studies; violations result in club fines (e.g., €20,000 for Rangers FC in 2025) and partial stand closures, alongside suspended away fan bans for repeat offenders like Celtic in 2024. National implementations vary: in Germany, clubs like Borussia Dortmund banned three ultra groups from away matches in 2019 for persistent disruptions, while police imposed nationwide travel curbs on ultras during the 2018 World Cup to prevent international clashes. In France, prefectural decrees enable preemptive collective fan bans for high-risk derbies, as with RC Lens supporters barred from a 2022 Ligue 1 match against Lille over anticipated violence, complemented by mass arrests of traveling ultras, such as 102 AS Roma members detained in Nice in 2025 for weapon possession and brawling. Policing strategies emphasize intelligence-led operations, fan segregation, and rapid intervention, often coordinated via EU frameworks like the 1985 Convention on hooliganism prevention, which promotes cross-border data sharing on known offenders. Empirical data from reviews indicate banning orders reduce recidivism among high-risk individuals by restricting opportunities for confrontation, though ultras adapt via proxy attendance or external clashes, necessitating ongoing surveillance and club cooperation. In England, where ultras are less entrenched, Football Banning Orders mirror these tactics, mandating passport surrender during international tournaments to curb travel, as applied proactively for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Despite effectiveness in lowering in-stadium incidents, such measures face resistance from ultras who view them as overreach stifling legitimate support, prompting debates on proportionality versus public safety imperatives.

Debates on Individual Responsibility vs. Systemic Excuses

Debates surrounding the causes of among ultras groups often center on whether such behaviors primarily reflect individual agency and psychological motivations or can be largely excused by broader systemic conditions. Advocates for individual responsibility argue that participants actively seek the adrenaline rush and status associated with confrontations, viewing as a deliberate choice for excitement and group prestige rather than an inevitable response to external pressures. Empirical analyses, including a study of German professional football matches from 2011 to 2015, indicate that violent incidents correlate more strongly with intergroup rivalries—peaking at 63% higher rates during derbies—than with socioeconomic frustration or match outcomes, supporting over deprivation-based explanations. In contrast, systemic perspectives, frequently advanced in sociological , attribute ultras violence to structural factors such as , ethnic tensions, and social marginalization, positing these as root causes that erode personal restraint and foster collective aggression. However, such explanations face criticism for overgeneralization, as data reveal that many hooligans maintain stable employment and exhibit non-violent conduct outside fan contexts, suggesting that environmental hardships alone do not compel participation—millions in similar conditions abstain from organized . A 2018 Oxford University study of Brazilian fans and hooligans further underscores this, finding violence driven by "identity fusion" and protective bonding within groups, akin to dynamics in non-deprived extremist networks, rather than pervasive dysfunction or economic despair. This tension highlights methodological biases in research: structural accounts, often rooted in class-based theories, may overlook agency to align with broader narratives of societal victimhood, while psychological evidence prioritizes verifiable patterns like thrill-seeking and peer reinforcement. For instance, self-reports from hooligans describe a "buzz" from planned fights as a primary draw, independent of material want, challenging excuses that absolve perpetrators by diffusing blame onto intangible systems. Ultimately, while systemic elements like alcohol availability or policing lapses can exacerbate incidents, the persistence of ultras violence across diverse economies—from affluent to developing regions—points to volitional factors, where individuals opt into subcultures rewarding over peaceful .

Global Distribution

Europe

Ultras culture originated in during the late , emerging as organized groups of football supporters who emphasized territorial control of sections, choreographed displays, and vocal intensity to bolster their teams. These early formations, such as those supporting and Sampdoria, drew inspiration from political activism and youth countercultures, adopting pseudo-military structures with leaders, hierarchies, and symbols like banners and flares. By the , the movement had solidified in stadia, where groups like Roma's Commando Ultra Curva Sud and Napoli's Commando Ultras Curva B became synonymous with elaborate tifos—massive coordinated visual spectacles—and relentless chanting that influenced match atmospheres across the continent. The ultras phenomenon proliferated from to other European nations, adapting to local contexts while retaining core elements of fervent , pyrotechnics, and territorial defense. In , Olympique de Marseille's Commando Ultra 84, founded in 1984, exemplifies southern European passion with thousands of members staging tifo displays and maintaining rivalries that occasionally erupt into clashes. Spain's ultras, such as Sevilla's Biris Norte (established 1975), blend with historical ties to working-class neighborhoods, though groups have faced disbandment orders amid violence probes. In , Borussia Dortmund's Südtribüne hosts one of Europe's largest standing sections, where ultras coordinate chants and visuals for over 25,000 fans, contrasting with the more fragmented hooligan firms elsewhere in the . Eastern European ultras exhibit heightened combativeness, often intertwined with nationalist sentiments and post-communist identity formation. Serbia's , active since 1989, number in the tens of thousands and have orchestrated choreographies while engaging in pitched battles with rivals, contributing to regional instability during matches. Poland's Żyleta section and Croatia's Dinamo Zagreb similarly prioritize group solidarity and anti-authority stances, with incidents like the 2010s Warsaw clashes underscoring their role in sustaining hooligan traditions. Northern examples include Denmark's Sektion 12, known for disciplined displays in derbies against Brøndby IF's Sydsiden, where ultras maintain influence despite stricter regulations. Across , ultras groups typically range from hundreds to over active members, funding operations through dues, merchandise, and ticket resales, while fostering community ties via social events and charitable acts amid criticisms of and . Political leanings vary, with right-wing affiliations prevalent in Italian and Balkan factions, influencing protests against and influencing broader fan opposition to measures like all-seater stadia post-Heyse l tragedy adaptations. Empirical studies highlight ultras' dual role in enhancing attendance—e.g., Serie A averages boosted by vocal support—and escalating risks, as seen in reports on pyrotechnic bans following repeated pitch invasions.

Africa

Ultras groups in Africa, largely concentrated in , trace their origins to the mid-2000s, modeled after European counterparts and emphasizing choreographed displays, chants, and territorial loyalty to football clubs. These supporter organizations first gained traction in , where (UA07) formed on February 13, 2007, to back , Egypt's most successful club with over 40 league titles, followed shortly by Ultras White Knights supporting rivals . In , similar groups emerged around the same period for clubs like (with Ultras Chars and Bad Blue Boys Juniors) and (with Brigade Rouge and Saheliano), fostering intense match atmospheres through tifos and pyrotechnics. Egyptian ultras notably contributed to the 2011 revolution, deploying organizational tactics from stadium protests—such as synchronized chants and barrier breaches—against Hosni Mubarak's regime, with thousands joining demonstrations. However, post-2013 political shifts under led to harsh suppressions, including the 2015 classification of , Ultras White Knights, and Ultras Devils as terrorist entities under emergency laws, amid accusations of anti-government agitation and clashes that killed dozens. The February 1, 2012, Stadium disaster exemplified ultras-related violence, as post-match clashes between Al Ahly ultras and Al-Masry supporters resulted in 74 deaths and over 500 injuries, an event widely viewed as politically motivated retaliation rather than spontaneous . In , ultras culture thrives with groups like the Green Boys and Ultras Eagles of Raja Club Athletic Casablanca, established in the late 2000s, who draw 30,000-plus crowds to Mohammed V Stadium for elaborate pyro shows and left-leaning chants supporting social causes. Algerian ultras, including JSK Ultras for and groups backing , emphasize regional identities and have produced vibrant supporter scenes since the early 2010s, though marred by periodic stadium brawls and fixture disruptions. Tunisian ultras have repurposed stadiums for , coordinating protests against economic policies and joining activist convoys, such as the 2025 Sumoud effort to Gaza, while facing federation bans for property damage. Sub-Saharan adoption remains nascent; in , Ultras 1964 (AFC Leopards) and Ultras Green 1968 (Gor Mahia), formed around 2020, introduced traditions to local derbies, boosting attendance but sparking concerns over imported hooligan elements. Across the , ultras prioritize rituals over individual fandom, yet governments in authoritarian contexts often frame their activism as security threats, leading to match boycotts and arrests exceeding hundreds annually in and .

Asia

Ultras groups in emerged in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, influenced by European models but adapted to local contexts of passionate fandom, political expression, and occasional violence. , particularly , hosts some of the largest and most intense ultras scenes, with groups like Viking for and Aremania for Arema Malang drawing tens of thousands to matches while frequently engaging in clashes fueled by rivalries and underlying in football . In 2022, post-match unrest at involving Arema supporters led to a crowd crush exacerbated by police , resulting in 135 deaths and highlighting systemic issues in crowd control and fan discipline. In , India's ultras culture is growing, exemplified by the Blue Pilgrims, an organized supporter group for the national team founded around 2011, known for coordinated chants, banners, and tifos that boost atmosphere during international fixtures like the . Club-level groups, such as those backing in Kolkata derbies, emphasize visual displays and vocal support amid the Indian Super League's professionalization. Middle Eastern ultras, like Ultras Junoon of Al Wasl FC in the UAE—established as the country's first such group around 2010—focus on elaborate tifos and choreography, with displays such as "Death Note" themes drawing acclaim for creativity rather than disruption. In Iran, Persepolis FC's ultras produce high-energy choreographies, contributing to packed Azadi Stadium attendances exceeding 70,000, though political undertones occasionally intersect with fan activities. East Asian scenes, notably in , feature disciplined yet fervent groups like Urawa Reds' supporters, who generate stadium spectacles through synchronized cheering but faced a ban after pitch invasions against AFC rivals. Korean ultras, such as FC Seoul's, import European-style intensity but operate under strict league regulations limiting pyrotechnics and violence, maintaining family-friendly environments compared to Indonesian counterparts. Emerging ultras in (e.g., Muangthong United) and prioritize peaceful displays, reflecting regulatory pushes to curb seen elsewhere in the region. Overall, Asian ultras blend fervent loyalty with risks of escalation, where empirical patterns show correlating with poor rather than inherent fan ideology, as evidenced by Indonesia's repeated incidents tied to scandals and inadequate policing.

Americas

Ultras-style supporter groups in the Americas are concentrated in , where barras bravas in and torcidas organizadas in dominate fan culture with fervent displays of loyalty, elaborate choreographies, and territorial control of stadium sections. These groups trace their origins to the 1950s in , evolving from informal fan collectives into highly organized entities that provide vocal support but frequently engage in inter-group , extortion, and ties to . In , torcidas such as Gaviões da Fiel for Corinthians, founded in 1969, mobilize tens of thousands for matches, including international travel, as evidenced by over 30,000 Palmeiras fans attending a 2025 U.S.-based game, yet they contribute to an annual average of 150 soccer-related deaths nationwide due to rival clashes. Argentine barras bravas exert significant influence over clubs, securing lucrative contracts for stadium services like parking and food vending, reportedly generating hundreds of thousands of pounds annually per major group through intimidation and political connections. La 12, the barra for formed in the , exemplifies this by controlling access to and has been linked to assassinations, including the 2007 murder of a rival leader, amid broader patterns of drug trafficking and . Similar dynamics persist in countries like and , where groups such as Barriada Albiceleste for mirror the Argentine model, blending passionate displays with criminal enterprises that exploit weak state oversight. In , particularly (MLS), supporter groups emulate European ultras aesthetics—through flags, chants, and coordinated displays—but operate under stringent league regulations prohibiting pyrotechnics, pitch invasions, and violence, resulting in a more controlled environment. Organizations like Emerald City Supporters for , established in 2005, and for , drawing crowds of 3,000-5,000 per match, emphasize community building and atmosphere enhancement without the hooliganism prevalent in . Groups self-identifying as "ultras," such as District Ultras for , focus on vocal support at but face tensions with club management over expressions like banners criticizing ownership. This sanitized variant reflects MLS's franchise model and emphasis on family-friendly events, contrasting sharply with the autonomy and risks of South American counterparts.

Oceania

In Oceania, ultras-style supporter groups are predominantly found in , where they emerged within the competition following its inception in 2005, drawing inspiration from European models to foster organized, vocal fan engagement through chants, tifos, and . The Cove, formed in 2005 to support , exemplifies this with its bay 60 section producing coordinated displays and relentless atmosphere, amassing over 2,000 members at peak attendances. Similarly, Victory's North Terrace and Western Sydney Wanderers' Red and Black Bloc, established around 2012, emphasize territorial loyalty and visual spectacles, contributing to average active support crowds of 1,000–3,000 per match in major derbies. These Australian groups have faced scrutiny for incidents involving flares and pitch invasions, such as the 2016 flare-related disruptions across multiple A-League clubs, prompting bans on away fan travel and enhanced stadium security protocols by . In , ultras culture remains nascent, with Auckland FC's Tāmaki AFC—launched alongside the club's 2024 A-League entry—adopting elements like political banners inspired by groups such as Celtic's , though participation numbers stay below 500 and focus more on community activism than traditional choreography. Beyond and , ultras presence in Pacific Island nations is negligible, limited by smaller football infrastructures and lower professional league attendance under the .

References

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