You’ve probably tuned in to a game of soccer and noticed a group of fans behind the goal, chanting vociferously and creating a lot of noise.
Often referred to as ultras, this term is used to describe the most passionate supporters out there. But what exactly does it mean? How are ultras different from hooligans? And who are the most well-known ultra groups in the world?
Let’s find out!
Soccer ultras explained
A group of ultras in soccer refers to a team’s fanatical supporters. The term has its roots in Italian soccer terraces, but it is now used globally. While some groups of ultras are known for their violence and political ideologies, others are merely just fanatical supporters of their team. To help you discern the difference, we explain the history of soccer ultras and what you need to know about them below.
The history of soccer ultras
Although the precise origin of ultras in soccer is hard to pin down, it is widely accepted that fanatical supporter groups originate from the terraces of European soccer.
In October 1950, fans of Hajduk Split formed a group called Torcida Split, which is thought to be one of the first official ultra groups in world soccer.
At the same time, ultra groups were known to have been prominent in South America, most notably Argentina and Brazil.
But in spite of this, most football historians agree that the ultra movement really took flight in Italian soccer in the 1950s and 60s.
Ultra groups, including the notorious Fedelissimi Granata of Torino and the Fossa Dei Leoni, were the earliest such fan associations and were responsible for much of the crime associated with soccer in the countries in the decades that followed.
By the 1970s, many Italian soccer teams had ultra groups associated with their clubs, and the 1974 Lazio ultras were renowned for their right-wing political ideology and startling violence.
During the 1980s, soccer hooliganism (not to be confused with ultras) was rife in the UK and other parts of Europe. At the same time, ultra groups formed in countries like France, Portugal, and Hungary.
Today, the most prominent ultra groups are situated in eastern Europe, as we introduce a little later on in this article.
How are soccer ultras organized?
Most soccer ultra groups are extremely well organized. Historically, they even had a say in how the club was run, and their leaders would be consulted before significant on, and off-the-field decisions were made.
Interestingly, many soccer ultra groups are aligned with the political and religious aspects of the clubs they represent. SS Lazio’s right-wing ultra group is a case and point.
Today, most ultra groups have social media pages and organize choreographed displays that they unfurl at their stadiums.
They’re credited with improving the atmosphere at soccer grounds and adding something different to the terraces that are often quiet for large spells during matches.
However, there is a dark side to ultra factions, as we explain below.
Are soccer ultras violent?
Historically, many ultra groups in soccer have been known for their extreme violence. This was particularly the case in Italy in the sixties and seventies, when rival ultra groups would clash inside and outside the stadium.
Italian ultra groups have long maintained ties with organized crime in Italy, with some clubs such as Napoli even representing factions of the Mafia.
Often, Italian ultra groups fight one another; their violence isn’t typically directed at citizens or those going about their everyday lives.
The same is true for other ultra groups in eastern European countries like Hungary and Romania, where violent clashes between soccer supporters are particularly common.
Today, many soccer ultras are just passionate fans who are looking to support their team in a unique way. As such, violence isn’t necessarily part and parcel of the ultra movement in soccer.
This is in stark contrast to soccer hooliganism, as we explain in the following section.
Ultras & Hooligans: What’s the difference?
The main difference between soccer ultras and hooligans is that the latter are violent without prejudice. The sole purpose of a soccer hooligan is to cause as much trouble as possible while hiding behind the excuse of supporting their team.
England had a huge problem with soccer hooliganism in the eighties and nineties where soccer ‘fans’ would run amok throughout society and instill fear into people going about their everyday business.
Soccer hooligans’ sole purpose is to cause trouble and to be overtly violent, whereas ultra groups are much more structured and are actually concerned with supporting their team.
While there are some overlaps between the two, you shouldn’t confuse soccer ultras and hooligans, as the two are notably different types of people.
Five of the most well-known soccer ultra groups in the world
So, now that we’ve run through everything you need to know about soccer ultras, let’s take a look at five of the most well-known soccer ultra groups in the world right now.
Ferencvaros, Hungary – The Green Monsters
As Hungary’s top soccer team, Ferencvaros are passionately supported by fans across the country. Their ultra group – The Green Monsters – was formed in 1995, and they have been in attendance at their games ever since.
Known as much for their violence as the atmosphere that they create in their home stadium, few groups of supporters relish the opportunity of a match-up away to Ferencvaros, that’s for sure.
SS Lazio, Italy – Irriducibili
Arguably the most loathed ultra group in the world, the Irriducibili are known to harbor strong Neo-Nazi sympathies and have long caused controversy for racially abusing fellow fans and opposing players.
Stationed in Stadio Olimpico’s Curva Nord, things really come to a head when they face their city rivals, AS Roma, in one of the most fiercely contested derby matches on the planet.
Red Star Belgrade, Serbia – Delije
Formed in 1989, Delije is a rough translation of heroes. Fans of Red Star are fiercely nationalistic and of Orthodox faith.
Infamously, Red Star met Dinamo Zagreb in a match during the 90s, which led to one of the most violent events in the history of the sport. Some people even suggest that events from the match led to the outbreak of war in the Balkans, leading it to be known as the football match that started a war.
Galatasaray, Turkey – UltrAslan
With more than 100,000 official members, Galatasaray’s UltrAslan group is one of the most organized on the planet.
Their rivalry with Fenerbache is legendary, and they are known for their pyrotechnic displays. In a 2001 match against Fener, Galatasaray ultras caused the game to be suspended after they brought 3000 flares to the stadium. Crazy!
St Pauli, Germany – St Pauli
St Pauli’s ultras are unique in that they are left-wing, which is in stark contrast to many other supporter groups on the continent.
They promote their anti-sexist, anti-racist political views on the terraces and are regarded as one of the most progressive supporter groups in the whole of soccer.
The verdict: What are soccer ultras?
As you can see, there’s a lot more to soccer ultras than meets the eye. While many of them are known for their violence, other groups are merely vociferous supporters of their soccer team.
Importantly, don’t confuse ultras with soccer hooligans, as the latter are violent criminals whose sole purpose is to cause havoc, regardless of their team’s performance.
Ultras are part of the fabric of soccer, and their presence in stadia around the world has undoubtedly enhanced the atmosphere within.
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