Having now spent many years watching German football both live and on the TV I have become accustomed to away fans occasionally lighting up to make their presence felt. Being accustomed is one thing but my feelings towards them remain strangely mixed.
You cannot fail to be impressed by the sheer spectacle of it all. The glare and the smoke combined with the somewhat bloody minded defiance of the ultras concerned determined to support their team regardless of the consequences. There is something tribal about the Ultras, faces covered; waving their flaming red torches in what they would argue is true support of their team. | |
The flags, drums, chants and singing add so much to the atmosphere of Bundesliga games and attract admirers from across the globe. Having said this, it is not those ultras who have to pay the inevitable and sometimes massive fines that rain down on the clubs concerned after these pyrotechnic displays. |
To this aging pyromaniac, spectacular though these displays may be, and I cannot deny part of me enjoys them, perhaps the Ultras would be better to find a less counterproductive vehicle for their passion.