What are ultras in Italian football?

What are ultras in Italian football?

The Italian ultras – more than just football hooliganism, these are impassioned groups of ‘fans’ who see their role more as a violent occupation than a hobby. ‘Campanilismo’ is a very important aspect of life in Italy, it symbolises a sense of identity, of pride, and of belonging to the place of your birth.

Are Italian football fans hooligans?

Italy. The term ultrà or ultras is used to describe hooligans in Italy. Italy’s ultras started in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as wannabe paramilitary groups, and gave themselves names such as Commandos, Guerrillas and Fedayeen.

Are ultras hooligans?

Unlike the hooligans, the ultras mostly come together in official associations that interact with the club and try to influence. The movement arrived in France at the beginning of the 1980s.

Who are the Napoli ultras?

Like all Italian clubs, Napoli’s fanbase has its ultras—its hardcore fans—who colonise Curva A and Curva B at the two ends of the San Paolo. While they do not have the same reputation for violence as the fans of some clubs, there is a thuggish element to their support.

Do ultras fight?

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.

Why do Hungarian ultras wear black?

Ultra-nationalists from Hungary were all wearing black shirts, and appeared to be performing Nazi salutes,’ a police source said, according to Mail Online. ‘The incidents are under investigation, and could lead to prosecutions under anti-racism laws, and legislation aimed at combating anti-Semitism. ‘

Who are Italy’s Ultras and what do they do?

Italy’s notorious ultras are essentially violent gangs attached to footie teams, who fight in the streets on match day with pick-axe handles, iron bars, chains, slingshots, flare-guns, axes, knives and pistols. Many ultras say they care nothing about football: it’s all about territorial defence, about the colours, the fights and the “mentality”.

Who are the Ultras in football?

Ultras. They are predominantly followers of association football teams. The behavioural tendency of ultras groups includes the use of flares (primarily in tifo choreography), vocal support in large groups and the displaying of banners at football stadiums, all of which are designed to create an atmosphere which encourages their own team…

Who are Ultras of Lazio?

Ultras of Lazio Ultras are a type of association football fans who are renowned for their fanatical support. The term originated in Italy but it is used worldwide to describe predominantly organised fans of association football teams.

What is the origin of Italian football ultras?

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.