‘Ultras‘, the term originated in Italy, literally means ‘beyond’ or ‘extremists’.Ultras is an association of a portion of supporters of a club who are extremely passionate, aggressive, and fanatic about their club. This is not just another fan group one will come across. Ultras is much more,a movement, taking an oath to present a hell for the opponents and a paradise for the beloved club. To become an ‘Ultra’, the key criteria is to be totally devoted to your mother club and more than often showcasing the frantical support.
“How to join ultras?” , “How to become an ultra?” ; Perhaps it’s the most frequent question asked.
Here’s the answer, ‘Ultras’ is a mentality, more of an attitude; frenetic support and unrequited love for the mother club. Simple, yet intriguing. However, there are some basic fundamental principles which make ‘Ultras’ a distinguished movement, different than anything else. Let’s know the nitty-gritties.
- Ultras form the 12th man of the team. This feeling needs to reciprocated as a unified mass in the gallery. A few simple things that are needed to call yourself an ultra are as follows-
- Chants form the base of the ultras movement. Chanting unitedly and vociferously for the team for 90 minutes is quintessentially regarded as the major characteristic of an ultras group. The gallery plays a pivotal role in lifting up the morale of the team right from the word go and chants act as a major catalyst in doing so. Chanting shouldn’t be stopped even when the team is losing. It takes a lot of guts to do that.
- Taking part in gallery activities-The role of an ultra is ground-oriented and one must take part in all the activities, like choreography, Corteo, pyro show, chants to be identified as a part of the movement.
- No face, no name- Ultras do not reveal their identities while being in the ground. Hence they do not click selfies and post on Social media. They are camera phobic and club philic in this regard.
- Matchday essentials- Ultras carry their scarves and other matchday essentials like balaclava, cap, canvases, and hoodies. They have their own simple matchday wardrobes. (not flashy ones though)
- Fellow Feeling and Unity- Ultras unitedly stand for any incident inside or outside the field. (for example, if any of your comrades face any problem from the police or rivals you will step up along with the others and not run away from there)
Apart from these basics, every ultras has their own flavour and protocols. East Bengal Ultras too have. We are immensely proud of our race, our roots. East Bengal Ultras have always promoted the essence of ‘Bangaliana’, the rich Bengali culture through their chants, through their choreographies.
EBU is also staunchly against racism and sexism. That’s basically all you need to bring out the ‘Ultra’, which probably lies within every East Bengal fan. If you’re beyond the ordinary, you are an Ultra already.