Green and White Ultras

Lore & Background

The origin of the ultras movement is disputed. The first group of fans was found in Salerno, Italy in 1921, and later in Florence in 1931. The first Italian ultras groups formed in 1951. The term 'ultras' was first used as a name in 1969 by supporters of Sampdoria and Torino. The movement spread across Europe, Australia, Asia, and North Africa during the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

Reader's Guide

Ultras groups are usually centred on a core group of founders or leaders, with smaller subgroups organised by location, friendship, or political stance. They use banners and flags, and some sell merchandise to fund displays. Groups can number from a handful to thousands, often claiming entire stadium sections. A representative liaises with club owners regarding tickets, seat allocations, and storage.

Did You Know?

• Ultras groups have been responsible for many cases of football hooliganism and violence, though unlike hooligan firms, they do not have the explicit objective of fighting other fans.
• Ultras groups are sometimes linked to ideologies like neo-Nazism, far-right politics, or far-left politics.
• The culture has become a focal point for the movement against the commercialisation of football.
• Regional variants include casuals in the UK, barra bravas in Hispanic America, and torcidas organizadas in Brazil.