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Rise of the Ultras
Football hooliganism, once known as the “English Disease,” is now spreading across Europe with the rise of the so-called “Ultras” – fanatically organized supporter groups renowned for their violent clashes. Unlike the beer-bellied middle-aged hooligans of old, many Ultras meticulously train in gyms, practice martial arts, and shun alcohol on match days, making them a formidable and disciplined force. Groups like the Inter Milan Ultras, led by Marco Ferdico with his “minister of war” deputy, exemplify this new breed of hooligan fueled by a disturbing level of organization.
Social Media Fuels the Fire
These well-organized Ultras gangs openly post footage of their pre-arranged fights on social media platforms like “Hooligans TV,” which has over 622,000 followers. The page features photos of supporters posing with “captured” rival banners displayed upside down as a mark of disrespect, as well as “match reports” detailing the outcomes of arranged clashes between groups. This brazen display and glorification of violence on social media only serves to inflame tensions further and fuel the brutal cycle of hooliganism.
England Fans at Risk
Experts like Dr. Geoff Pearson, a leading authority on football hooliganism, warn that England fans are increasingly seen as legitimate targets by these Ultras, particularly when visiting other countries for away matches. Local police forces abroad often fail to provide adequate protection, viewing the visiting English fans as a threat rather than being under threat themselves. The recent stabbing of Newcastle United fan Eddie McKay by a machete-wielding gang in Milan highlights the very real danger English supporters face while following their teams on the continent.
Betting Markets Impacted
This trend of escalating hooliganism and violence surrounding football matches could have a significant impact on the betting markets for Euro 2024. Bookmakers may need to factor in the possibility of matches being disrupted, suspended, or even abandoned due to crowd trouble, which could drastically affect the outcome and settlement of bets. Additionally, the safety concerns for traveling fans may influence the betting patterns and volumes for certain matches or teams perceived as higher-risk targets for Ultras groups.
Authorities’ Response
To combat the threat, the Home Office has announced that more than 1,600 English and Welsh football hooligans with banning orders will be required to surrender their passports, preventing them from traveling to the Euros in Germany. However, the real challenge lies in addressing the issue on a broader European scale, as the Ultras groups operate across borders with an alarming level of coordination. Instances like the Greek ban on fans attending top-flight matches for two months and the suspension of all Turkish football after a referee was attacked highlight the extreme measures some countries have taken to curb the violence.
As the excitement builds for Euro 2024, the specter of hooliganism casts a dark shadow over the tournament, reminding us that the beautiful game can sometimes be marred by the ugly actions of a well-organized and determined few willing to take violence to disturbing levels.
