Recent statistics reveal a troubling reality. The Spanish National Police have made a total of 305 arrests of football hooligans over the past two seasons, mainly due to their involvement in brawls with other aggressive fan groups. Authorities have been sounding alarms regarding the rise in violent incidents among these factions, particularly at the General Information Police Headquarters, where specialists on sports violence fear that this escalation could lead to deadly outcomes.
An inspector responsible for the Sports Violence group, who wishes to keep his identity confidential for safety reasons, expressed grave concerns during a conversation with Infobae Spain. He stated, “We cannot rule out that there could be a fatality in any incident.” He noted that although Spanish hooligans do not typically aim to kill rival supporters, a single “bad hit” could result in another fatality, echoing the tragic murder of Jimmy, a member of the Riazor Blues, who was killed a decade ago by radicals from the Frente Atlético (Atlético de Madrid).
Currently, the General Information Police estimate that there are between 8,000 and 9,000 members of ultra groups across Spain. When asked about the recent surge in violent activity in football, the inspector pointed to a “polarized society.” He explained that following the lockdowns and restrictions imposed during the pandemic, people returned with an increased urge to enjoy life, even in terms of violence.
The number of groups monitored by each Provincial Information Brigade varies annually, as the ultra movement in Spain is described as “nomadic.” Some groups disappear while new ones emerge. For instance, at the end of 2023, the National Anti-Violence Commission included United Family and Supporters Gol Sur in its blacklist, citing their involvement in notable recent incidents linked to Real Betis ultras.
Several of the most severe incidents in recent seasons have occurred in smaller towns during semi-professional or amateur matches, where police presence is often minimal. The inspector mentioned a violent clash before a match between Numancia and Cornellá on May 27, 2023, resulting in 20 ultras being arrested and a young person left in a coma for two months. He emphasized that the individual was “on the brink of death.” This clash involved ultra-right groups like Orgullo Numantino, Ligallo, and Ghetto 28 going against the ultra-left Cornershools.
In contrast, matches held in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville attract rigorous security setups to manage radical visitor groups.
Ideological conflicts continue to shape the behavior of ultras in Spain and across Europe. The inspector noted, “They live for that ideology, and football is secondary.” Groups heavily align with others that share similar political ideologies, such as Ultras Sur and Lazio Ultras, both of which are from the radical right.
Authorities have a comprehensive understanding of the structured hierarchy within these groups. Members, typically aged between 17 and 50, pay an annual membership fee. The more seasoned individuals often maintain control from the background, while the so-called “cachorros,” or younger ultras, lead confrontations.
Despite an increase in violent incidents, the inspector highlighted the “hidden statistics” of altercations that were prevented due to proactive information-gathering efforts. Police continually monitor messaging platforms utilized by ultras to organize meetups where aggression often occurs. They also track travel and accommodation choices of these individuals during their outings. To evade police scrutiny, many radicals have started using rental vehicles instead of buses or trains, making them harder to track.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/espana/2024/07/25/la-policia-alerta-de-la-escalada-de-la-violencia-ultra-en-el-futbol-espanol-no-descartamos-que-pueda-haber-un-muerto/
