Egyptian football fans ultras

The origins and evolution of ultras culture in egypt

The concept of "ultras" originated in Europe, particularly Italy, and began to permeate the Egyptian football scene in the early 2000s. Unlike traditional fan clubs, ultras groups are characterized by their independence from official club management, their highly organized nature, and their emphasis on spectacle, vocal support, and collective identity. The first significant ultras groups in Egypt emerged around the two biggest clubs in Cairo: Al Ahly and Zamalek. Ultras Ahlawy, supporting Al Ahly, and Ultras White Knights (UWK), supporting Zamalek, were founded in 2007. Their establishment marked a shift in Egyptian fan culture, introducing sophisticated tifos, synchronized chanting, and a more confrontational stance towards rivals and sometimes even authorities.

These initial years saw rapid growth in membership and influence. Young Egyptians, seeking community and an outlet for expression, flocked to these groups. The ultras provided a structured environment where individuals could contribute to something larger than themselves, fostering a strong sense of brotherhood and belonging. Their activities transformed the matchday experience, turning stadiums into vibrant arenas of sound and color, previously unseen in Egyptian football. The intricate planning required for their displays, from banner making to choreographing chants, showcased a remarkable level of dedication and organization among egyptian football fans ultras.

Distinctive characteristics and code of the egyptian ultras

What sets egyptian football fans ultras apart are their distinct characteristics and an unwritten code of conduct. Loyalty to the group and the club is paramount, often superseding personal interests. This devotion is expressed through several key behaviors:

• Unwavering Support: Regardless of the team's performance, ultras are expected to provide continuous vocal and visual support throughout the entire match.
• Elaborate Choreographies (Tifos): These meticulously planned displays, involving large banners, flags, and smoke bombs, create a stunning visual spectacle and serve as a powerful expression of identity and superiority over rivals.
• Independence: Ultras groups pride themselves on their autonomy, refusing financial or managerial interference from club officials, which they believe would compromise their authenticity.
• Internal Hierarchy: While seemingly informal, ultras groups have clear internal structures, often with leaders or an "Obrigado" (committee) responsible for organizing activities, finances, and communication.
• Fierce Rivalries: The animosity between rival ultras groups, particularly between Ultras Ahlawy and Ultras White Knights, is legendary and forms a core part of their identity. These rivalries are expressed through chants, banners, and sometimes, unfortunately, clashes outside stadiums.
• Symbolic Power: Their chants and banners often carry deeper messages, sometimes reflecting societal grievances or political stances, making them more than just football fans.

This strict adherence to their code creates a powerful subculture, drawing young people who feel marginalized or unheard in broader society. The stadium becomes their sanctuary, a place where their voices are amplified and their collective identity is celebrated without inhibition.

Ultras and the egyptian political landscape: from stadiums to streets

The role of egyptian football fans ultras transcended the confines of football stadiums during the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. Their existing organizational structures, experience in confronting security forces, and collective discipline made them an unexpected but highly effective force during the uprisings. Unlike other segments of society, ultras were already accustomed to operating outside official control and expressing dissent, albeit typically against rival fans or club decisions. When the revolution began, their skills in street mobilization, communication, and resilience against tear gas and batons proved invaluable.

Many members of Ultras Ahlawy and Ultras White Knights actively participated in the Tahrir Square protests, forming a crucial line of defense against attacks by pro-Mubarak forces. They provided protection for protestors, helped organize logistics, and were instrumental in sustaining the momentum of the revolution. Their chants often shifted from supporting their clubs to demanding political change, reflecting a deep engagement with national issues. This period marked a significant turning point, elevating the ultras from mere football supporters to recognized, albeit informal, political actors. Their actions during the revolution earned them both admiration from fellow revolutionaries and suspicion, and eventually animosity, from state authorities who viewed their organized power as a threat.

The port said stadium disaster and its profound aftermath

One of the darkest chapters in the history of egyptian football fans ultras is the Port Said Stadium disaster on February 1, 2012. Following a match between Al Ahly and Al-Masry, a pitch invasion by Al-Masry fans resulted in a stampede and deadly clashes that left 74 people dead, mostly Ultras Ahlawy members. Hundreds more were injured. The scale of the tragedy, coupled with the apparent inaction of security forces, led to widespread accusations that the events were not a mere football riot but a politically motivated massacre, orchestrated or allowed to happen by elements of the state as retribution for the ultras' role in the 2011 revolution.

The disaster sent shockwaves through Egypt. It led to the suspension of the Egyptian Premier League for two years and sparked massive protests across the country, with ultras groups at the forefront, demanding justice. The subsequent trials saw convictions, including death sentences, for some individuals, but many ultras and the wider public remained unconvinced that true justice had been served, believing that higher-ranking officials responsible for security lapses were never adequately punished. The tragedy left an indelible scar on the ultras community, hardening their resolve against perceived state oppression and fueling their commitment to their fallen comrades. It transformed their identity from primarily football supporters to guardians of memory and justice for the victims.

Modern challenges and the enduring spirit of egyptian ultras

In the years following the 2011 revolution and the Port Said disaster, egyptian football fans ultras have faced unprecedented challenges. The government initiated a severe crackdown on ultras activities, viewing them as a source of instability. Stadiums were often closed to fans or had vastly reduced capacities, effectively stifling the core environment where ultras thrived. In 2015, Egyptian courts banned ultras groups, declaring them terrorist organizations, a move widely criticized by human rights advocates. Many leaders and members faced arrests, harassment, and lengthy prison sentences.

Adapting to repression

Despite these repressive measures, the spirit of Egyptian ultras has not been entirely extinguished. While their overt presence in stadiums has diminished, their influence persists through various means. They continue to organize commemorations for the Port Said victims, maintain their social networks, and adapt their forms of expression. The intense loyalty and community forged within these groups remain powerful, even when forced underground. Their story is a testament to the enduring power of collective identity and the complex interplay between sports, society, and politics in Egypt. The legacy of egyptian football fans ultras continues to shape discussions around freedom of assembly, youth engagement, and the very nature of dissent in the country.

Their journey reflects a broader narrative of resilience in the face of adversity, highlighting how a seemingly niche subculture can profoundly impact a nation's historical trajectory. The empty stadiums are a stark reminder of their absence, yet their collective memory and symbolic power remain a significant force in the consciousness of many Egyptians.