Learn from Europe’s Ultras

DBasia.news – When it’s about football strategy, Indonesia is still following foreign football, then what about the supporters?

Indonesian football is grieving after the death of Haringga Sirla when he was about to watch his beloved team, Persija, in the duel against Persib at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium. The 23-year-old man got attacked until dead.

Ironic. The duel that should be on the pitch, happened to the outside. If the reason was fanatism, you should learn a lot from the Ultras’ culture in Europe.

According to many sources, Torcida Split group, Hajduk Split’s supporters, is the first organized ultras. However, many said that Italy as the origin of the Ultras concept since the 1950s.

Overall, Ultras is a group of supporter who will intimidate the opponent and support the team. Many things are done to achieve that goal.

Paris Saint-Germain’s ultras once came to the hotel where Real Madrid stayed just to make him hard to sleep. They sang a whole night and lighted up the flare.

Another way is by creating a choreography. Let’s say in the derby of Della Madonnina between Inter Milan against AC Milan, both supporters are presenting choreographies involving the whole stadium. The goal, indeed, is to create terror and support.

But, sing a song should be included as one of Ultras’ ways. They will sing throughout the match. They will yell the uplifting song.

Perhaps, when you see directly how Ultras performed, it’s like seeing Mozart and Beethoven in an orchestra. It might be exaggerated, but the spirits are on the same line.

Just like an orchestra, Ultras don’t just sing. They obey the commander called “Capo”. They will gather in one tribune while following the command from Capo in the front row. Just like what a conductor does in an orchestra performance, isn’t it?

Some musical instruments also appeared in the tribune. Drum and trumpets, for example. With the drum roll, the song is becoming more alive. While the trumpet gives a symphony to the stadium.

Capo also has the duty to lead the motion while singing. Like hand clap or jump while standing in reverse position to the stadium, or usually called The Poznan.

While singing a song, Ultras have many ways. First and foremost is by following what Capo does. By this way, Capo will sing a lyric, and the ultras follow. Or, another way is by responding to each other.

Usually, ultras will divide themselves into two categories, and responding to each other while singing. In the musical world, it’s known as the crescendo. Once again, this relates Ultras wish orchestra.

One thing that inspires is coordination. In Ultras culture, there is one hierarchy. All members must not refuse the leader’s command. By doing this, there is no member who does as one wishes that will be a disadvantage for the team.

Indeed, Ultras also have some cultures that shouldn’t be followed. Like the open fight or clash with other supporters. An open fight is usually happening between two supporter groups with the equal number with no weapon at all.

The fight looks like mixed martial art. It means the opponent will lose if he falls and unable to continue the match. It’s also important to remember that open fight still has its limit, to not make a person dead.

By the narration of Ultras above, we should be aware that supporting the beloved team shouldn’t be a disadvantage for anyone. Hence, there are no winnings equal to life.