All football fans around the world know what “ultras” groups are. This type of devotion to football clubs emerged a very long time ago – at the beginning of the 20th century (around the 1930s). But the most famous representative of the ultras was Torcida Split, founded in the fifties in Croatia. It was this group that became the basis for the spread of this ideology. Today, the largest ultras are located in Europe in general and Italy in particular.
1. As mentioned earlier, one of the oldest and most popular ultras groups is Torcida Split. Founded in the fifties by ardent fans of the then World Championship, it continues to operate to this day, having huge connections throughout Europe with other members of the football community. The large association of fans has expanded to several branches around the world in countries where there are Croatian communities. The group constantly supports local youth projects and also donates money to charity.
2. Another notorious Croatian ultras group is the fans of Dinamo Zagreb football club. The community named Bad Blue Boys was founded back in 1986, and the name is directly related to the film starring the great Sean Penn. In the past, the group maintained warm relations with the former President of Croatia. Everything changed after Franjo Tuđman’s attempt to rename the club beloved by the fans. Recently, these ultras were involved in a high-profile case – a young fan died in a mass brawl at a game. After this resonant incident, security measures at matches were significantly tightened.
3. At the end of the twentieth century, namely in 1995, another popular group with an interesting name, Ferencvárosi Torna Club (Green Monsters), was organised. They are known for their rivalry with another club from Budapest. Being ardent fans of Ferencvaros, the “monsters” wholeheartedly dislike Újpest. Also, these ultras are known for its cruelty towards fans of other football communities, as well as active participation in various events for fans and the public life of such communities.
4. The group named Los Borrachos Del Tablón became famous thanks to bright shows at the matches of their beloved club River Plate. But the main reason for their popularity is their open and ardent rivalry with the fans of another club, Boca Juniors. Fans are always present at all games, including away events.
5. The most politically active group today is St Pauli. These guys actively stand for anti-fascism and aggressively speak out against racism, sexism and homophobia. Because of this, they have conflicts with groups of neo-Nazis and hooligans. But this does not prevent the ultras from being friends with many other groups from different countries, as well as holding various charitable events and social action
6. In the opposite direction from the previous group is Irriducibili. Fans of the S.S. Lazio club are known for their support of the neo-Nazi direction, as well as the world-class criminal from Serbia – Arkan. Also, on the negative side, it is worth noting the tough rivalry with the fans of the AS Roma club. On the positive side, these guys know how to organize shows at the matches of their beloved team and please the football players with their constant presence even at away games.
7. The following ultras group is unique in that it is directly related to the beginning of the Yugoslav conflict. Fans of the Red Star Belgrade club named Delije gathered in 1989 and since then have constantly declared themselves as an aggressive community, constantly competing with other clubs. Thus, in 1990, a terrible conflict with the participation of the ultras Bad Blue Boys became the beginning of the wars in Yugoslavia. But this did not prevent Delije from reaching our days and constantly organizing various events for their fans around the world.
8. One of the most politically calm and known for their bright performances at the matches of their beloved Galatasaray S.K. is the group ultrAslan. They do not support anyone in politics, but they are very devoted to their football club and the entire community. Constantly supports everyone who loves this sport and participates in charity in different directions.
9. Real pyrotechnics and professionals in this field are the ultras of S.S.C. Napoli. Fans of the namesake football club constantly use fireworks and were the first to choose this method of supporting athletes. But recently, fans from this group have started to behave more aggressively and constantly participate in various conflicts. This does not prevent them from holding their bright performances, supporting various social and charitable events.
10. And in the tenth, but far from the last place among the ultras groups, are the fans of the Olympique de Marseille club named Commando Ultra 84. This community has a rich history that began at the end of the twentieth century. It is according to the number of the year at the end of the name that the number 84 stands. Despite their left-wing political views and constant rivalry with PSG, these ultras actively participates in the public life of football fans and organizes interesting events to this day.
These ultras groups play an important role in football culture, demonstrating devotion and passion for their clubs. Their activity and support often have a significant impact on the atmosphere in the stadiums and on the overall perception of the clubs. Ultras not only support their teams in the stands but also actively participate in the life of local communities, organizing various social and charitable events. For more information, check out our previous article on royallbetss.com
