‘The rise of the ‘Ultras’: Inside the world of Italy's diehard football fans

Summary

The script delves into the violent subculture of Italian football, focusing on the Ultras, dedicated and sometimes criminal fan groups. It highlights the intimidation and clashes in cities like Rome and Milan, where the police meticulously organize responses to prevent violence. The narrative explores the personal stories of Ultras, their loyalty to the team and city, and their readiness for combat. It also addresses the resurgence of racism in stadiums, with instances of players being racially abused. The script suggests that hooliganism is far from fading, with Ultras showing no signs of stopping their aggressive and racially-charged behavior.

Takeaways

• 🥊 The script discusses the violent and brutal side of Italian football, focusing on the activities of 'Ultras', the most dedicated club fans with links to crime and violence.
• 🏙️ In Rome, the presence of Ultras is marked by intimidation and a readiness for confrontation, with leaders like Marco from Inter Milan's CA Nord Ultras being influential figures.
• 🌧️ Weather conditions and police presence can influence the likelihood of violent clashes between rival Ultras groups.
• 🏟️ Ultras groups are highly organized, mirroring the organization of the Italian police force that aims to prevent violent incidents at football matches.
• 🥋 Some Milan Ultras train for combat in fight clubs, indicating a serious commitment to violence and confrontation.
• 🔱 Loyalty to the team, city, and each other is a strong bond among Ultras, with some willing to engage in violent acts to defend these ties.
• 🛑 Instances of racism in Italian football stadiums are highlighted, with examples of racist abuse towards players.
• 🚨 The resurgence of violent behavior among Ultras fans is noted, with a clear increase in dangerous incidents since the previous year.
• 🌐 Ultra groups are linked to far-right extremist movements across Europe, creating a volatile mix of football loyalty, violence, racism, and crime.
• 🔄 Despite past efforts to curb hooliganism, the issue persists and may be ingrained in football culture due to the ongoing activity of Ultras.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the transcript?

The primary focus of the transcript is the issue of violence, hooliganism, and racism in Italian football, particularly among fan groups known as Ultras.

What is the role of Ultras in Italian football culture?

Ultras are the most dedicated club fans in Italian football culture, but some of them are linked to crime and engage in violent activities, contributing to the hooliganism problem.

How does Marco, the head of the Inter Milan CA Nord Ultras, view the current state of the Ultras?

Marco believes that the Ultras are in a good way, but he also acknowledges the potential for clashes with rival groups, especially given the weather conditions and police presence.

What is the significance of the fight club where many Milan Ultras train?

The fight club is significant as it shows the level of organization and preparation among the Ultras for potential combat, highlighting their commitment to violence and territorial disputes.

What is the role of Andrea, referred to as Marco's 'war minister'?

Andrea is another Ultra with a long history of violence, and he is seen as a key figure in the organization and planning of violent activities among the Ultras.

How do the Ultras view their loyalty to the team and each other?

The Ultras view their loyalty to the team, the city, and each other as paramount, even leading to extreme actions such as violence and standing by their fellow Ultras despite the consequences.

What is the stance of Donny, an AS Roma Ultra, on fighting other fans?

Donny loves fighting other fans, comparing it to going to war and enjoying the adrenaline rush, showing a deep-seated enthusiasm for the violence associated with the fan culture.

How does Mario, a former Ultra, reflect on his past involvement in violence and racism?

Mario admits to being involved in both violence and racism, and he does not express remorse, stating that it was part of the life he chose and that he would do the same things again.

What is the police's perspective on the Ultras and the recent resurgence of violence?

The police view the Ultras as very dangerous, especially those determined to commit violence. They acknowledge a resurgence in violent behavior among Ultras since the previous year.

How are the Ultra groups connected to broader European movements?

The Ultra groups are linked to far-right extremist movements across Europe, creating a volatile mix of football loyalty, violence, racism, and crime.

What was the outcome of the game where Joseph Manala was a victim of racist abuse?

During the game where Joseph Manala was a victim of racist abuse, the match had to be stopped, and the fans targeted him, leading to the police escorting him away from the stadium.