Passion, politics and violence: A socio‐historical analysis of Spanish ultras

Full text for this resource is not available from the Research Repository.

Spaaij, Ramon ORCID: 0000-0002-1260-3111 and Viñas, Carles (2005) Passion, politics and violence: A socio‐historical analysis of Spanish ultras. Soccer and Society, 6 (1). pp. 79-96. ISSN 1466-0970 (print) 1743-9590 (online)

Abstract

This essay examines the origins, diffusion and spread of organized groups of young football fans (so‐called ultras) in Spain. The first Spanish ultra groups emerged after the 1982 World Cup held in Spain. Mainly mimicry of both Italian and English supporter styles, the Spanish ultras separated themselves from the indigenous ‘peña’ culture emphasizing instead a more active and visible approach to football fandom. This movement, often heavily supported by the clubs, subsequently spread to other clubs in Spain’s First and Second Divisions. In the second half of the 1980s, mainly due to the increasing politicization of the ultra groups and the eruption of the skinhead youth subculture, violence became an intrinsic feature of the ultra movement and at times created widespread social panic. The escalation of violence finally resulted in the fragmentation and decline of traditional ultra groups and the emergence of alternative fan groups explicitly opposed to violence. These developments set in motion a complex pattern of rivalries and allegiances strongly influencing contemporary Spanish football culture.

Dimensions Badge

Altmetric Badge

Item type Article
URI https://vuir.vu.edu.au/id/eprint/24950
DOI 10.1080/1466097052000337034
Official URL http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/146609...
Subjects Historical > FOR Classification > 1106 Human Movement and Sports Science
Historical > FOR Classification > 1608 Sociology
Current > Division/Research > College of Sports and Exercise Science
Keywords football, Spain, football culture, physical violence, hooliganism
Download/View statistics View download statistics for this item

Search Google Scholar

Repository staff login