ultras

History

The origin of the ultras movement is disputed, with many supporters groups from various countries making claims solely on the basis of their dates of foundation. The level of dispute and confusion is aided by a contemporary tendency (mainly in Europe) to categorise all groups of overtly fanatical supporters as ultras. The first group of fans was found in Salerno, Italy in 1921 with the name "circolo salernitani fieri", later in Florence in 1931 when some Fiorentina fans created the group called "ordine del marzocco", which with a large following, composed hymns, distributed flags and stage material and set up special trains to follow the team. Supporters groups of a nature comparable to the ultras have been present in Brazil since 1939, when the first torcida organizada was formed (although these groups began to focus on violence in the 1970s). Inspired by the torcidas and the colourful scenes of the 1950 World Cup, supporters of Hajduk Split formed Torcida Split on 28 October 1950. The first supporters' groups in the world formed to produce violence were barras bravas, originated in Argentina in the 1950s.

One country closely associated with the ultras movement is Italy. The first Italian ultras groups were formed in 1951, including the Fedelissimi Granata of Torino. The 1960s saw the continuing spread and development of the culture with the formation of the Fossa dei Leoni and Boys San groups, the former often regarded in Italy as the first full-fledged ultras group (associated with violence). The term "ultras" was used as a name for the first time in 1969, when supporters of Sampdoria formed the Ultras Tito Cucchiaroni and fans of Torino formed the Ultras Granata. 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. The active support of the ultras became more apparent, in contrast with the "traditional" culture, choreographic displays, signature banners and symbols, giant flags, drums and fireworks became the norm as groups aimed to take their support to higher levels. The decade also saw the violence and unrest of Italian society at the time overlap with the ultras movement, adding a dimension that has plagued it ever since. The ultras movement spread across Europe, Australia, Asia and North Africa during the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, starting with the countries geographically closest to Italy.

Characteristics

Ultras groups are usually centred on a core group of founders or leaders (who tend to hold executive control), with smaller subgroups organised by location, friendship or political stance. Ultras tend to use various styles and sizes of banners and flags bearing the name and symbols of their group. Some ultras groups sell their own merchandise to raise funds for performing displays. An ultras group can number from a handful of fans to hundreds or thousands, with larger groups often claiming entire sections of a stadium for themselves. Ultras groups often have a representative who liaises with the club owners on a regular basis, mostly regarding tickets, seat allocations and storage facilities. Some clubs provide groups with cheaper tickets, storage rooms for flags and banners and early access to the stadium before matches to prepare displays. These types of favoured relationships are often criticised when ultras groups abuse their power.

Hooliganism

While ultras groups can become violent, the majority of matches attended by ultras conclude with no violent incidents. Unlike hooligan firms, whose main aim is to fight hooligans of other clubs, the main focus of ultras is generally to support their own team. Some hooligans try to be inconspicuous when they travel; usually not wearing team colours, to avoid detection by the police. Within the ultra or hooligan culture however, those dressing to "blend in" would be referred to as casuals, which is viewed by some as a branch of hooliganism, yet still maintaining its own independence and culture. Ultras tend to be more conspicuous when they travel, proudly displaying their scarves and club colours while arriving en masse, which allows the police to keep a close eye on their movements.

Europe

Germany

The "Fortuna Eagles Supporters" who are connected to SC Fortuna Köln, were founded in 1986. In 1989, another group was formed under the name "Soccer Boyz" (today: "Ultras Leverkusen"). They are associated with Bundesliga Leverkusen. In the 1990s, the Ultras movement grew steadily. With the turn of the millennium, many Ultra groups took responsibility in the stands to contribute to the atmosphere, superseding individual fans and unorganised groups.

The Ultra movement then spiked in the mid-2000s. Both individual memberships and the total number of groups increased drastically. The Ultras had now moved from a subculture to being mainstream. As a result of mixing with other subcultures such as hip-hop, punk, graffiti and street art, Ultra groups even collaborated with, and were referenced by artists in their work.

Due to rising numbers in membership changes developed and after a subcultural phase, which was partially political, Ultra groups have mostly become self-referential in the 2010s. There has also been a change in the way violence is viewed, leading to conflicts and separations even within groups. One example for the violent conflicts has happened at Alemannia Aachen where two different groups violently clashed at their home ground, the left-leaning "Aachen Ultras" and the right-wing "Karlsbande".

Nowadays, for almost all clubs of the three biggest German leagues, and for some in lower leagues, there are groups who identify as Ultras. In Germany, there are supposedly more than 25,000 Ultras organized in over 300 different groups.

As the rift between the Ultra groups and the German Football Association (Deutscher Fußball-Bund) continued to grow, the Ultra group of Dynamo Dresden symbolically proclaimed war against the DFB in May 2017. Around 2,000 of them, raged through Karlsruhe, lit fireworks, stormed the stadium and held up a banner with the inscription "War Against DFB". The Ultras of Dresden were heavily criticized for their martial behaviour, yet, the next match day over 30 other Ultra groups applauded them for their agenda.

In the 2000s, there already were nationwide campaigns by the German Ultra Movement. Following the ProFans campaign, the fan demonstration at the 2005 Confederations Cup, and several years of collaboration under the label "Zum Erhalt der Fankultur" (Preserving Fan Culture), in 2017 the Dresden initiative was seen as a new beginning for networking in Germany. A large number of Ultra groups sought dialogue in order to organize a joint protest. The meetings, which even took place between rival groups, were extremely rare in Germany until then. The Ultra groups agreed on issues such as the investigation of the so-called 2006 summer fairy tale, the end of match day fragmentation, fan-friendly kick-off times, the abolition of collective punishment, an end to corruption, the preservation of the 50+1 rule, transparency in the sports court, and an end to eventization.

United Kingdom

The UK was the birthplace of football hooliganism and casuals. The overwhelming dominance of these local football movements meant an 'ultras' subculture took much longer to develop. Severe anti-hooligan laws, heavy policing, undercover surveillance, and strict ground regulations heavily restricted the use of flares, tifos, banners, and drums. This growth was further delayed by mandatory all-seater stadiums following the 1989 Taylor Report, and expensive ticket prices that have locked out working class supporters since the 1990s. Eventually, British fans began establishing ultras groups, particularly from the mid-2010s onwards.

The Holmesdale Fanatics of Crystal Palace F.C. are one of the most prominent ultras groups in England. In late-2022, an Arsenal ultras group called the Ashburton Army gained prominence, taking their name from Ashburton Grove, the historic road upon which the team's Emirates Stadium was built. In April 2024, Aston Villa F.C. supporters formed the 1897 Group. Following the inception of the group and a subsequent meeting with club officials, the group were allocated a section of the club's home stadium Villa Park for a Premier League match against A.F.C. Bournemouth to launch the group's presence at Aston Villa's matches. The group's volunteers help to organise and carry out tifo displays in Villa Park's Holte End stand and across other sections of the stadium for Villa home matches. Other ultras-style supporters' groups have formed at clubs such as Middlesbrough F.C. (Red Faction), Newcastle United (Wor Flags), Colchester United known as the BWA (Blue and White Army), Hartlepool United known as the NWC (North West Corner), Bristol City (Section 82), Leicester City F.C. (Union FS), and Ipswich Town F.C. (Blue Action). Several non-League football teams have had ultras groups that are left-wing, such as Clapton F.C. (Clapton Ultras), Mangotsfield United (Inter Village Firm), and Dulwich Hamlet F.C. (The Rabble). An article by Vice News in 2015 wrote that the now defunct British nationalist group Casuals United (an alliance of several hooligan firms) was in conflict with anti-fascist football ultras in England, and had succeeded in getting multiple ultras groups banned.

The Green Brigade are an ultras group that follow Celtic F.C. who make tifo displays and voice support for a United Ireland and Palestinian nationalism. They describe themselves as left-wing. On the other side of Glasgow are the Rangers F.C. ultra group the Union Bears. The Union Bears are known for their elaborate fan displays and their support for Scottish unionism and Northern Irish unionism within the UK. They are described as being right-wing. They celebrate and support the Protestant history of both Rangers and Scotland. They sit in the Copland Road stand. Incidents of violence between the Union Bears and the Green Brigade are common. Ultras Aberdeen are the ultras group who follow Aberdeen F.C., they organise chants and choreography in the Merkland Road Stand, at Pittodrie Stadium, also known as the "Red Shed". Block Seven are a supporters group that support Hibernian F.C., while the Gorgie Ultras support rivals Heart of Midlothian F.C.. Northbank are the ultras group supporting St. Mirren, occupying a section of the west stand. The Southside Ultras support Queen's Park F.C., while the Partick Thistle Ultras support their city rivals, Partick Thistle. The Partick Thistle Ultras formed in 2021 when fans were not allowed inside stadiums during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group gathered at a nearby canal on the last day of the season as their team won the Scottish League One title, and celebrated with flares, flags, and singing. Other ultras in the Scottish Championship include Dunfermline Athletic's Section North West, Greenock Morton's Cowshed, Raith Rovers’ Ultras Raith, Livingston's Block C, Hamilton Academical's Accies Youth, Ayr United's Somerset Ragazzi, Falkirk's Ultras 1876 and Airdrieonians’ Section B.

Switzerland

Most professional football clubs in Switzerland have ultras groups. Notable examples include Servette FC (Section Grenat), FC Basel (Muttenzerkurve), FC Zürich (Zürcher Südkurve), Grasshopper Club Zurich (Sektor IV), and BSC Young Boys (Ostkurve Bern). Other clubs with ultras groups include FC Luzern (USL), FC St. Gallen (Green Power, Saint Brothers, Bangor Maniacs, and Green Fires), FC Sion (Ultras Sion 1994 and Freaks Sion), FC Lugano (Curva Nord FC Lugano 1908), FC Thun (Red White Boys), FC Lausanne-Sport (Loz Boys, Triccards Lausanne, and their respective youth sections Loz Flaytes and Géneration Turbulante ), FC Winterthur (Taktlos Winterthur), FC Aarau (Szene Aarau), and Yverdon-Sport FC (Kop 14)

Austria

Many Austrian clubs have ultras groups supporting them, most notably SK Rapid, who had the first group in Austria in 1988, the "Ultras Rapid Block West 1988", who are still very active and are in control of most the so-called "Block West" in the Weststadion, together with groups like "Tornados", "Lords", "SAF 2012", "Lions" and others, creating the biggest ultras support among all Austrian clubs, at home and away as well. Other clubs like FK Austria Wien, Sturm Graz or SV Austria Salzburg are also known for their active supporting scene. Many ultras groups have active friendships with groups from friendly clubs, mostly from Germany, Italy, Greece and Hungary.

Hungary

Several clubs in Hungary have large ultras groups, such as Ferencváros (Green Monsters), Újpest (Viola Fidelity), Diósgyőr (Ultras Diósgyőr), Honvéd (Ultras Kispest, Északi Kanyar), Fehérvár (Red Blue Devils), Tatabánya (Turul Ultrái), Debrecen (Szívtiprók Ultras Debrecen) and other strongly developing groups such as Kecskemét (Ultras Kecskemét) Szeged (Ultras Szeged). The national team of Hungary has an ultras group known as the Carpathian Brigade. The group was formed in 2009. Hungarian ultras occupy sector B Central at the Puskás Aréna.

Czech Republic

The ultras movement in the Czech Republic developed during the 1990s following the fall of communism, drawing influence from neighbouring Germany, Italy and Poland. Most professional football clubs in the Czech Republic have an ultras group.

Greece

In Greece, most professional football teams have an ultras group. Most of them are named after a gate number which refers to the specific place where the fans are situated at the stadium. Others have actual names or no special names at all and they are named after their supporting team.

Armenia

In Armenia, many of the professional football clubs contain ultras groups, typically either named after their team, the specific sector in the stadium where the fans reside, or the district the majority the fans are from. The most popular football clubs with devoted fans are FC Pyunik, FC Urartu, FC Shirak, and FC Ararat Yerevan. The largest ultras is FAF Ultras (First Armenian Front), an organized supporters group dedicated to the Armenian national football team. They are known for creating strong atmospheres in the stadium through passionate chants, banners, and tifos. In December 2025, the FAF Ultras assisted a visiting Polish fan group, Legia Warshaw, by providing accommodation arrangements, which led to the Polish fans displaying a banner in the following match: 'FAF - RESPECT!'.

Serbia

Red Star Belgrade have one of the most dedicated ultras groups in Europe, Delije is a collective name for supporters of various groups that are a part of the Red Star Belgrade multi-sport club.

They attend every match, and usually do choreographies and shout chants, with many subgroups present on the stadium as well.

FK Partizan, have an ultras group of their own named Grobari (Gravediggers).They generally support all clubs within the Partizan multi-sports club, and mostly wear black and white symbols, which are the club's colors.

Denmark

FC Copenhagen (Sektion 12) and Brøndby IF (Sydsiden) have notable ultras, and their derby is considered to be one of the most notable in Europe.

AaB's ultras group caused a 14-minute delay in the 2020 Danish Cup final for a failure to adhere to COVID-19 social distancing rules. The group was ultimately ejected from the stadium and the game resumed, which was won by Sønderjyske.

Italy

In Italy, most professional football clubs have an ultras group which attends every match and has dedicated seating areas in either the north or south end of the stadium behind the goals. Each ultras group will have one or more leaders who choreograph chants, and who hand out banners and flags to other people in the stand to wave throughout the match. 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. Over the years inappropriate chanting has resulted in the FIGC issuing partial or full stadium bans to clubs. The ultras will choreograph a wide range of chants throughout a match, but some of the most common chants that result in a ban are anti-Southern chants towards clubs which are located in the South of Italy, most notably towards Napoli, as well as racist chants towards opposition players. However, these issues only partially represent parts of the Ultras culture in Italy – Ultras in Italy are also known for giving housing to immigrants or helping Italian citizens in need, as well as aiding with food and money during the Covid pandemic to their local hospitals.

Republic of Ireland

Several groups exist in Ireland, as follows:

Shamrock Rovers - SRFC Ultras

St Patrick's Athletic - Shed End Invincibles

Drogheda United - Famous 45 Ultras

Dundalk FC - Shed Side Army

Bohemian FC - Notorious Boo Boys

Galway United F.C. - Maroon Army

Waterford FC - Block E Boys

Kerry F.C. - North Terrace Boys

Finn Harps FC - Ballybofey Brigade

Sligo Rovers - Forza Rovers

Cork City FC - Commandos 84

Treaty United - Blue Army

Wexford FC - Slaneyside Crew

Shelbourne FC - Briogaid Dearg, Boys 1895

Bray Wanderers - Na Fanaithe

Longford Town - Section O

Slovakia

Multiple groups of active Ultras groups exists in Slovakia, with the most active being Ultras Spartak.

In a match between Spartak Trnava and Slovan Bratislava in 2021, there was a full blown fight on the pitch between both ultras, with the game being cancelled and postponed. As a result of this incident, Spartak Trnava would have to play the next three home matches without the Ultras, with entry only allowed for children under 15 years of age, and Slovan would have to pay heavy fines.

Poland

The first Polish ultras groups were formed in 1970s by fans of Legia Warszawa and Arka Gdynia, although the pioneering fan groups in Poland were ŁKS Łódź and Polonia Bytom - the end of the 1960s. Those early ultra groups identified as either fascist or national-socialist and opposed the communist government of Wojciech Jaruzelski. The 1990s saw the continuing spread and development of the ultra culture with the formation of the Wisła Sharks and Cracovia Jude Gang groups, the former often regarded in Poland as the first full-fledged ultras group. With intimidating and non-stop chanting, they made their presence felt in the stands. Modern hooligans try to be inconspicuous when they enter the stadium; usually not wearing team colours, to avoid detection by the police and PZPN officials.

Spain

Spanish ultraism is generally agreed to have come from Italian ultraism and English hooliganism at the 1982 World Cup held in Spain. Held only seven years after the death of Francisco Franco, the World Cup was an opportunity for Spain to join the world of modern international football. Spanish ultraism is particularly known for its dramatic and polarized distinction across two ideological cleavages: fascism and (regional) nationalism. The vast majority of ultra groups identify as either fascist or anti-fascist, and either separatist or nationalist.

The Netherlands

In the Netherlands, most professional football teams have an ultras group. the first ultras groups in the Netherlands was formed in the 1970s by fans of Feyenoord, they called themselves S.C.F. Hooligans. After S.C.F. Hooligans were formed, many other ultras groups started forming such as AFC Ajax (F-side), FC Utrecht (Bunnikside), ADO Den Haag (north side), De Graafschap (Brigata Tifosi), FC Twente (Vak-P), FC Groningen (Z-Side).

Belgium

Most clubs in Belgium have an ultra-group, such as Sporting Charleroi (Storm Ultras 2001), Sint-Truidense V.V. (Brigada Hesbania), KRC Genk (Drughi Genk), RSC Anderlecht (Mauves Army 2003), Standard Liège (Ultras Inferno 1996), KAA Gent (Ultras Ghent ‘14).

Luxembourg

Several clubs in Luxembourg have an ultras group, such as FC Differdange 03 (UD45), Jeunesse Esch (Ultras Esch), Avenir Beggen (Ultras Beggen), Luxembourg national football team (M-Block)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

People in Bosnia and Herzegovina are known for their national ultras group BHFanaticos. Also, they have a few ultras that are connected to football clubs Manijaci, Horde zla, Lešinari, Red Army, Škripari, Ultras Mostar and many more.

Cyprus

Gate-9 (Greek: Θύρα 9 ) is a Cypriot fans' group that supports the football team People's Athletic Club Omonia 1948 and all the sport departments of AC Omonia except football. Omonia supporters are traditionally left wing. A 2009 gallop poll estimated that three out of four Omonia fans vote for the Progressive Party of Working People, the communist party of Cyprus. While the group retains its left wing beliefs, in recent years it has been openly critical of the party's involvement in the club's administrative decisions. The party has denied accusations that it influences club decisions. Gate-9 members are associated with communist beliefs and have been noted for waving banners bearing Che Guevara's portrait, and other communist symbols. The group is also involved in humanitarian work for refugees in Cyprus. The group, besides Nicosia, has fan clubs in Limassol, Athens, Thessaloniki, Larnaka, Paphos, and London.

There are also ultras groups affiliated with the APOEL FC and the Anorthosis Famagusta FC.

Malta

Although small in size, Malta has some notable ultras groups. The main ultras groups in Malta are Birkirkara Ultras 1997, Ultras Beltin 999, and Paola Boys Hibs Ultras, Sliema Ultras Blue Gladiators as well as the Maltese national football team ultras group, the South End Core.

Romania

Romania's ultras only finds itself in the traditional teams like Steaua Bucharest, FCSB, Dinamo Bucharest and Rapid Bucharest; but there are some small ultras groups which support their local club. The biggest ultras groups are: Peluza Nord FCSB, Peluza Sud CSA Steaua București, Peluza Cătălin Hîldan Dinamo Bucuresti, Peluza Sud Dinamo Bucuresti, Peluza Nord Rapid, Peluza Sud Timisoara, t2 Rapid, Peluza Şepcile Roşii and Peluza Nord Hunedoara. There are also some honourable mentions like Peluza Marină Farul, Peluza Sud Craiova and Peluza Nord Galați.

Turkey

The three big clubs of Turkey, namely Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, have dedicated fanbases. The ultras of these clubs are Çarşı, Genç Fenerbahçeliler and ultrAslan, respectively.

Bulgaria

The most famous ultras in Bulgaria are Sector B (Levski Sofia), Sector G (CSKA Sofia), Bultras (Botev Plovdiv), Green Fighters (Neftochimic Burgas), Moryatsi (Cherno More Varna) and Lauta Army (Lokomotiv Plovdiv).

Azerbaijan

Several groups exist in Azerbaijan, with the most prominent being Forza Neftçi (Neftçi PFK), Köhne 13 (Neftçi PFK), and Kapaz Ultras (Kapaz PFK).

Croatia

There are many ultras groups in Croatia but the most popular are:

Bad Blue Boys (Dinamo Zagreb, 1986)

Torcida Split (Hajduk Split, 1950)

Armada Rijeka (HNK Rijeka, 1987)

Kohorta Osijek (NK Osijek, 1988)

Tornado Zadar (HNK Zadar, KK Zadar, 1965)

Demoni Pula (NK Istra 1961, 1992)

Funcuti Šibenik (NK Šibenik, KK Šibenik, 1983)

Ultras Vinkovci (HNK Cibalia, 1982)

Finland

Niilon pojat, Vestito di nero (Ilves Tampere, 1931)

Sakilaiset, Vecchi Ragazzi, Usual Suspects Helsinki(HJK Helsinki, 1907)

1922 Youths, 1922Casuals (TPS Turku, 1922)

Red Army, ultras06 (Vaasan sport, 1962)

Lahti youth huorat (FC Lahti, 1996)

Raumam boja (Rauman Lukko, 1936)

Itäpääty (FC Inter, 1990)

Hakapeliitat (FC Haka, 1934)

Stadin Kingit, Inferno (HIFK Helsinki, 1897)

Kazakhstan

Green Wall Ultras - FC Atyrau

Legion ultras - FC Zhenis

Northpoint ultras - FC Astana

13 sector - FC Aktobe

Texas ultras - FC Ordabasy

Turan ultras - FC Turan

Verniy 70 - FC Kairat

Africa

Morocco

The history of Moroccan ultras can be traced back to the early 2000s, with the formation of the first ultras group, Ultras Tanger, in 2003. However, the first ultras group that still exists today is Ultras Green Boys, which was founded in 21/06/2005 to support Raja Casablanca. That same year, Ultras Askary Rabat was founded to support AS FAR and Ultras Winners was founded to support Wydad Casablanca. The Moroccan ultras movement quickly gained momentum and popularity, with other notable groups such as Ultras Eagles (also supporting Raja Casablanca), being formed in 2006. Moroccan ultras groups are heavily influenced by European ultras movements, and are known for their passionate and dedicated support of their favorite football clubs. They are also known for their elaborate displays of choreographed support, including banners, flags, flares, and coordinated chants. Despite facing challenges, such as financial costs and loss of members, Moroccan ultras groups remain an important part of the country's football culture, known for their intense rivalries and unwavering support of their clubs.

Egypt

The clubs in Egypt became a major political force during the uprising against Mubarak in 2011, but were known for long-standing animosity with the police. When 38 members of the Ultras Devils were arrested in "Shebeen al-Kom" for "belonging to an illegal group" plus additional violent offences, it was seen as a crackdown on the organisations by authorities.

In 2013, the Associated Press stated that the Egyptian Ultras network was one of the most organised movements in Egypt after the Muslim Brotherhood.

Asia

India

The ultras scene in India was introduced by East Bengal Ultras, the ultras group of East Bengal FC, in 2013, and since then it grew slowly, as ultras groups of various clubs started to form and display of "Tifo's" and "Pyro" shows became very much a part of the ultras scene in Indian football.

Blue Pilgrims is an organised group of football fans who support the India national football men's team, women's team, and all the other age – group national teams at every home and away game, formed by a group of football fans of several club fan bases of football clubs from India. Founded in 2017 before the commencement of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which was held in India, the group based their name on the nickname of the national team, the "Blue Tigers". They consider travelling with the national teams, to wherever the teams play, as their pilgrimage. They often display flags, banners, and tifos in support of the national team.

Cambodia

The ultras scene in Cambodia began on 28 October 2018, with the formation of Ultras Cambodia, a group dedicated to supporting the Cambodia national football team. Following this, club-specific ultras groups also emerged. Visakha FC supporters formed Ultras Visakha. and Ultras Svay Rieng, was established to support Svay Rieng FC.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, the ultras scene is characterized by the presence of "Ultras Malaya," the largest supporter club dedicated to the Malaysia national football team. "Ultras Malaya" founded in 2007 but only made their first appearances during the 2008 Merdeka Tournament when Malaysia beat Nepal 4–0.

"Ultras Malaya" boasts a diverse membership with fans from different ethnic backgrounds, states, and clubs across Malaysia. The group represents fans from all 14 states and other subdivisions within Malaysia. One of the most significant rivalries in Southeast Asian football is between "Ultras Malaya" and the fans of the Indonesia national football team. This rivalry is famously known as the "Nusantara derby" and has witnessed several intense clashes before, during, and after matches between the two nations, both on and off the field.

"Ultras Malaya" witnessed a gradual increase in its membership over the years, reaching its zenith during the AFF Suzuki Cup in 2014, when the number of members soared into the tens of thousands, although exact figures are not confirmed.

As time passed, UM07, the parent organization of "Ultras Malaya," expanded its reach by establishing subsidiary groups at the state and club levels across Malaysia. These subsidiary supporter groups are passionate in their support for both their local clubs and the national team. Here are some of the main ultras and supporters groups associated with specific states and clubs:

Within "Ultras Malaya," the role of the Capo is crucial in leading the chanting and energizing the crowd inside the stadium. One of the most well-known Capos of "Ultras Malaya" is Mohd Ridzuan Ahmad, also known as Lekir Haji Ahmad. His leadership and coordination skills have contributed to the vibrant and passionate atmosphere during Malaysia's football matches, making him a respected figure among the ultras community.

Japan

The ultras scene in Japan began in 1992 with the formation of "Ultra Nippon," a group dedicated to supporting the Japan national football team. This movement quickly gained momentum, spreading across the country and leading to the creation of ultras groups for various club teams. Nagoya Grampus supporters formed "Ultras Nagoya," while Vegalta Sendai saw the establishment of "Ultras Vegalta Sendai." Urawa Red Diamonds are supported by the "Urawa Boys," and Gamba Osaka fans are organized under the name "Gamba Ultras." Cerezo Osaka also saw the formation of a group, known as "Cerezo Ultras,"

Lebanon

The ultras scene was introduced to Lebanon in February 2018, with Nejmeh's "Ultras Supernova" and White ultras for racing Beirut 2019. Their rivals Ansar quickly followed with their own ultras group, "I Tifosi", one month later. Ahed formed their own ultras group, called "Ultras Yellow Inferno", the same year. Prior to the Arab Club Champions Cup game between Nejmeh and Al-Ahly of Egypt, played on 13 August 2018, seven "Ultras Supernova" fans were arrested by the Egyptian national security because of the negative connotations the word "Ultras" has in Egypt. The fans have been returned to Lebanon by request of the Lebanese Ambassador to Cairo.

Iran

Persepolis ultras of this association were registered by the club's fans association in 2014, and the place of these fans was registered at the 36th position Their place is in Azadi Stadium. Persepolis ultras are nicknamed the Red Army in Asia. They have a close competition with their long-time rival, Esteghlal, and they support their team with doza bombs and fabric designs.

Oceania

North America

Criticism

One point of criticism is that the capos strike up the songs, which makes spontaneous reactions to the ongoing game difficult. Plus, Ultras tend to sing longer songs instead of chants, which is not as motivating for the team.

Ultras play such a dominant role in many fan communities simply because there are no other groups that could challenge their status. The resulting misunderstanding, that the Ultras claim to have full control and authority over the fan section, repeatedly leads to conflicts between the Ultras and unorganized fans. These are often triggered by calls from individuals demanding that the Ultras, for example, keep their flags down (to avoid blocking the view).

Ultras are also criticized for physical assault, theft of fan materials such as flags or scarves, and the intimidation of non-Ultras. In addition, they face criticism for the use of pyrotechnics.

In fiction

Ultra (film), a 1991 Italian drama film

Ultras (film), a 2020 Italian drama film