Ultras
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.
[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] 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.
[15] 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.
[16] 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.
Ultras groups often have a representative who liaises with the club owners on a regular basis, mostly regarding tickets, seat allocations and storage facilities.
[18] Some clubs provide groups with cheaper tickets, storage rooms for flags and banners and early access to the stadium before matches to prepare displays.
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.
(Cowshed Loyal), and Stockport County (Hatters 83), Bristol City (Section 82), Arsenal (Ashburton Army)[22][23][24] Several non-league football teams in England have ultras groups that are left-wing, such as the fans of Dulwich Hamlet F.C.
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.
[34] 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.
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.
Over the years inappropriate chanting has resulted in the FIGC issuing partial or full stadium bans to clubs.
[36][37] Several groups exist in Rep. of Ireland, as follows: Shamrock Rovers - SRFC Ultras St Patrick's Athletic - Shed End Invincibles Drogheda United - Famous 45 Ultras Dundalk FC - Shed Side Army Bohemian FC - Notorious Boo Boys Galway United F.C.
[citation needed] The first Polish ultras groups were formed in 1980s by fans of Legia Warszawa and Arka Gdynia.
[38] 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.
[41] 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.
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.
[50] 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.
[50] In 2013, the Associated Press stated that the Egyptian Ultras network was one of the most organised movements in Egypt after the Muslim Brotherhood.
[52] "Ultras Malaya" boasts a diverse membership with fans from different ethnic backgrounds, states, and clubs across Malaysia.
"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.
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.
This movement quickly gained momentum, spreading across the country and leading to the creation of ultras groups for various club teams.
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 have a close competition with their long-time rival, Esteghlal, and they support their team with doza bombs and fabric designs.
