# Ultras culture: Italy, tifo, flares and the British difference > Ultras culture began in 1960s Italy, with choreographed tifo, flares and political identities. How it differs from British fan culture, and why flares are… - Source: https://menvafan.net/fotboll/ultras-culture-europe/ - Section: Football - Language: en - Published: 2026-10-17 - Updated: 2026-10-17 **In short:** Ultras groups emerged in Italy in the 1950s and 1960s, with groups like the Fedelissimi Granata of Torino and later the Fossa dei Leoni and Sampdoria's Ultras Tito Cucchiaroni, bringing choreographed displays (tifo), drums, flares and political identities to the terraces. British fan culture developed differently, with hooliganism, all-seater stadiums and a stronger emphasis on singing and match-day drinking. Flares remain a contested symbol, banned in most European leagues but still used by ultras as a statement of presence. Ultras culture began in Italy in the 1950s and 1960s, when groups of supporters started organising themselves into structured fan clubs with a distinct identity. The first Italian ultras groups were formed in 1951, including the Fedelissimi Granata of Torino, followed in the 1960s by the Fossa dei Leoni and Boys San, and in 1969 by Sampdoria's Ultras Tito Cucchiaroni and Torino's Ultras Granata. From Italy, the model spread across Europe and beyond, starting with the countries geographically closest to Italy. The core elements are choreographed displays (tifo), drums, capos leading chants, and a strong group identity that can be political, local or both. Flares and smoke bombs are a contested part of the spectacle, banned in most leagues but still used by ultras as a statement of presence. ## What are ultras and where did they start? Ultras are organised groups of football supporters who create coordinated, visually striking support in a stadium. The term originated in Italy, and the movement began there in the 1950s and 1960s. The Fedelissimi Granata of Torino (1951) and Sampdoria's Ultras Tito Cucchiaroni (1969) are among the earliest groups. These groups were part of a wider spread of organised support, with comparable supporters' groups present in Brazil since 1939, but added a distinctly Italian flair for choreography and political identity. The model spread quickly. ## What is tifo and how do ultras organise it? Tifo is the Italian word for the organised, choreographed support that ultras produce. It can refer to a specific display – a huge banner, a mosaic of coloured cards, a flag wave – or to the general atmosphere. Organising tifo takes planning. A group's leaders design the display, raise funds, source materials and coordinate the timing. Drums keep time. The group may claim a designated section of the stadium. Tifo can be political. In Italy, many ultras groups have explicit political identities, from far-left to far-right. This has led to tensions and, at times, violence. In Germany, ultras groups have campaigned on issues such as kick-off times, collective punishment and the 50+1 rule. ## Why are flares controversial? Flares and smoke bombs are a common sight in ultra displays, but they are banned in most European leagues and by UEFA. The reasons are safety: flares burn at very high temperatures and can cause severe burns, while smoke can trigger breathing problems and panic in crowded stands. ## How does ultras culture differ from British fan culture? British fan culture developed along different lines. While Italian ultras were organising choreographed displays, British fans were more informal. Hooliganism was a major problem in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to the Taylor Report and all-seater stadiums. In Italy, ultras groups often have a formal structure, with a core group of founders or leaders and sometimes political affiliations. In Britain, fan groups are more fluid. There are overlaps. Both cultures have a strong sense of territory and identity. And both have been touched by politics: in Italy, ultras groups have been linked to both the far left and the far right. ## What role do politics play in ultras culture? Politics is a significant part of ultras culture in many countries. In Italy, groups have historically been aligned with political movements: Lazio's ultras had a strong predominance of fascist slogans and chants. In Germany, ultra groups have campaigned on issues such as kick-off times, collective punishment and the 50+1 rule. The political dimension can lead to conflict. In Germany, the ultra scene has been active in protests against the DFB. In Britain, politics on the terraces has been less prominent, though there are exceptions: Celtic's Green Brigade ultras voice support for a United Ireland and describe themselves as left-wing. ## How has ultras culture spread across Europe? The ultras model spread from Italy to other European countries in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. In Germany, the Fortuna Eagles Supporters (1986) and the Soccer Boyz, today Ultras Leverkusen (1989), were early groups, and the ultra movement grew steadily in the 1990s. ## What is the legacy of ultras culture? Ultras culture has had a lasting impact on football. It has changed the visual and acoustic landscape of stadiums, with tifo and coordinated singing now common across Europe. It has also influenced fan activism, with groups campaigning against high ticket prices, commercialisation and police repression. At the same time, ultras culture has faced criticism for its links to violence and political extremism. For punk fans, there are parallels. The DIY ethic of ultras groups – making banners, organising displays, producing zines – echoes the punk approach. The politics can be different, but the sense of community and the rejection of authority are familiar. If you're interested in how fan culture and politics mix, our piece on [Celtic FC and Irish folk punk](/fotboll/celtic-and-irish-folk-punk/) explores similar territory. And for the DIY side, our guide to [making a punk zine](/bocker/how-to-make-a-zine/) might come in handy if you want to document your own scene. Ultras culture is not going away. It continues to evolve, with new groups forming and old ones adapting. The debate over flares, politics and the future of fan culture is ongoing. And that's probably how it should be. ## FAQ ### When and where did ultras culture begin? It started in Italy in the 1950s and 1960s, with groups like the Fedelissimi Granata of Torino (1951) and later the Fossa dei Leoni and the Ultras Tito Cucchiaroni at Sampdoria (1969). The model then spread across Europe. ### What is tifo? Tifo is the Italian term for the organised, choreographed support by ultras: banners, flags, scarves, huge displays and coordinated singing. It can be a display (coreografia) or the general atmosphere. ### Why are flares banned in football stadiums? Flares burn at very high temperatures and produce smoke that can cause breathing problems and panic. Most leagues and UEFA ban them, but ultras still use them as a visual statement, leading to fines and stadium closures. ### How do Italian ultras differ from British football fans? Italian ultras are highly organised with capos, drums, political identities and choreographed displays. British fan culture is more informal, with singing led by the crowd, a stronger drinking culture and a history of hooliganism that led to all-seater stadiums.