Several Italian football clubs have fans named the Ultras — but none are as feared as those belonging to Lazio.
They became notorious in 1987 when the “Irriducibili” began organising on the north terrace of Rome’s Olympic stadium but their links with fascism date back to before the war — they were the team supported by dictator Benito Mussolini.
Since 1987, the stadium has become a terrifying self-governing area where police fear to enter, and where anti-Semitic chants continue to be heard. Running battles between the Ultras and police are not uncommon.
The Ultras have been known to boo their own black players and banners have been displayed supporting Arkan, the Serbian war criminal, and mocking the horrors of the Auschwitz concentration camp. These were the fans who at the first leg of the match with Spurs in September at White Hart Lane racially abused Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe.
Former West Ham striker Paolo di Canio sparked outrage in 2005 when, playing for Lazio, he gave the crowd what appeared to be a Mussolini-style fascist salute after his team won the derby with fierce Serie A rivals Roma. He was banned for one game and fined almost £7,000.
