Real Madrid has always been an institution that has suffered from internal squabbles and political in-fighting, although for the most part it has usually been confined to the boardroom or dressing room. Now, however, Los Blancos have been faced with a fresh problem that has reared its ugly head in recent weeks, namely a civil war that has started to develop among its most radical group of supporters – the Ultras Sur.
As with many European clubs, the most vociferous and at times intimidating fans tend to congregate behind one of the goals, typically leading the singing and waving their flags and banners, while even letting off flares on occasion. More often than not, an arrangement will be in place, endorsed by the club, which entitles them to cheaper tickets, subsidised travel to away games and other benefits. It is the price to be paid for creating an atmosphere inside the stadium that adds to the entertainment for the more reserved or discerning match-goer.
At the Santiago Bernabeu, the southern part of the ground has been home to the Ultras Sur since the 1980s, when they were created as an offshoot of the Pena Las Banderas supporters club. Known for their right-wing politics, they have since developed an alliance with other similar-minded groups, most notably Lazio’s ‘Irriducibili’ fans, and have even been investigated by UEFA for their behaviour.
Having been both embraced and tolerated in equal measure at Madrid in the past, club President Florentino Perez has now warned that he will attempt to put an end to their existence unless their alleged differences are sorted out. It follows the recent home match against Real Sociedad where the space behind the goal the Ultras normally occupy was left empty, with El Confidencial revealing this week that the reason was because some members were prevented from entering the zone by rival factions within the organisation.
Perez, for his part, has now ruled that no Ultras will be permitted to occupy their usual place at upcoming fixtures unless identification is presented alongside a valid match ticket, while the National Police have gone even further by placing themselves on alert before matches in order to prevent violent altercations in or around the Bernabeu.
The conflict appears to have its origins in a struggle between different generations to gain control of the group, with older disciples now finding their power challenged by a younger element known as Los Cachorros – the ‘Young Pups’. It is these new kids on the block that want to sever any perceived collaboration with the club and make the Ultras an even more radical and politicised body. It is a situation that has resulted in club executives having already met with them to try and resolve the issue before it is too late.
Interestingly enough, the authorities are also keeping their eyes on the Vicente Calderon where, despite the intense cross-city rivalry, there are reported links between the hardcore Frente Atletico group and the Ultras Sur. Both bands of supporters are very similar, with matching ideology and political beliefs, and there is also a monetary aspect involved. With cheap tickets available from their clubs, these are often allegedly sold to regular punters at inflated prices, while other financial benefits include selling a large amount of merchandise at the ground and via their online store.
It is a tricky situation for Perez, who understandably would not want to become further embroiled in a dispute with an organisation that could make life very uncomfortable for the average Madrid aficionado.
Nonetheless, unless some kind of punitive measures are taken the tail might be seen to be wagging the dog a little bit too vigorously for comfort.
