Lattepunk Ultras
Lattepunk
When does being a fan become too much?
A while back I read this book called 1312: Among the Ultras. It’s about the supporter’s groups of various soccer clubs around the world, what traditions they keep, activities they pursue (legal or otherwise), and just it’s over all story. I’m a supporter of my local soccer team, Hartford Athletic. I always wondered when I would see away fans at Hartford games: “What type of people are these that travel to follow tier 2 soccer in America?” Are these the types of fans I read about in the book?
I’d argue they are not ultras. Diehard fans, sure, but not like the ultras that I read about in the news. This past weekend I became one with my team’s supporters, who regularly go all out for home games, by hopping on a bus and joining them for an away game!
This is where I should mention something important, Hartford is not a good soccer team. They’ve made the playoffs once in their 5 years of existence. They did manage to go viral with this spectacular goal:
So why did I put myself on a bus to go watch a team that has only won 6 games of the 21 that they’ve played? Cause I’m a supporter! But was I, or anyone I would be going with, an ultra? Highly doubtful! This isn’t a supporters group of a high profile MLS team, just some random USL team.
The trip was to Rhode Island to play our new founded rivals Rhode Island FC. So the tailgate prior to leaving was full of high spirits, food, and beer. Rumblings of people managing to infiltrate opposition’s discord servers were greeted as teasing jokes. But rumors of sneaking items into the stadium were quickly hushed away.
If you’ve ever been on a bus trip anywhere, you’ve already know what my hour and half trip to the stadium was like. You probably didn’t have all the entire bus chanting support songs (DALE “O”, DALE “O”, DALE HARTFORD DALE “O“). Or the teams photographer capturing photos, asking if anyone had a Coca-Cola to meet some sponsorship requirement.
The good times continued into the tailgate at the Rhode Island stadium. Where we were greeted by Rhode Island staff wearing some pretty clever shirts:
Pizza, sandwiches, and of course, beer, were enjoyed while we got over the “disrespectful” attire of official staff. Then...the Rhode Island supporters came over to let us know who’s home this is.
What felt like a marching band came chanting their supporters songs at us. Not to be undone, we let them know who was in town (VAMOS! VAMO ATHLETICS! ESTA NOCHE! TENEMOS QUE GANAAAAAR!). This where ultra behavior was spotted.
A few smoke bombs where let off once the enemy supporters marched away, but it’s what happened shortly after that started to garner some attention. Mysteriously, fireworks (!!) started going off. Officers and local security coming over to clean things up and make the rules understood. No hooliganism is to occur today.
Photo ops, booze, and porter potty usage later, we are marching into the stadium. While tailgating Rhode Island fans use this time to film, boo, or flip us the bird, we announce our way all the way to our ticketing entrance (OH WHEN THE GREEN! GO MARCHING IN! OH WHEN GREEN GO MARCHING IN!).
The passionate chanting continued at our seats, even as a heavier than needed security presence was lingering. We were in one designated AWAY section. Normal stuff for soccer games. As far as the game itself, if you’re that interested:
A slaughter! 3-0 to Rhode Island. But did you read the comments on that video? Specifically this one:
Clinical destruction and it could have been 5-0! Hartford fans were dead silent after that 2nd goal. Lighting off fireworks in a tight packed space was a classy touch from them too. Enjoy your sad trip back home to Hartford.
Yeah! Fireworks, in the stands. Not just security, now police were around the entire away section. This is derby match, supporters section vs supporters section, not just the teams on the field! Granted, some actions have consequences.
But this is fandom. Especially in the world of soccer. The somber ride back home on the bus had me questioning my fandom. Am I an ultra? I personally couldn’t pull off a stunt like that. Even the next day I was starting to question my supporter status as a fan. I don’t invest money in my local restaurants if they aren’t good, why do I keep investing in this team? Maybe cause I’m a fan.
Now, does Hartford Athletic have ultras? I’d say there is a core passionate fanbase that could qualify. They couldn’t get their joy on the field, but they get them where they can:
Recommendations (and for some reason I got a lot):
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