Football Hooliganism in the Western Balkans

Ultras

United by an extreme and passionate support of their football club, ultras are well-organized associations of football fans, often with a strong attachment to a particular urban district, political ideology or ethnic affiliation. Since the 1980s, however, such political and local ties have waned, giving way to acts of violence against rival groups and the police. However, not all members of ultras groups engage in such conducts. In fact, the violence perpetrated by some is often the reason why devoted fans leave their groups.

Hooligans

Extremism, good levels of organization and political identity are typical characteristics of hooligans groups. But whereas ultras are defined by their members’ fanatical devotion to their team, hooligans are simply bent on violence, motivated by extremism or engaged in criminal activity under the guise of being football supporters. In short, hooligans are a violent section of ultras, organized in groups that manifest an extremist ethnic, religious, or political identity through the use of verbal and/or physical violence, and through activities causing 'harm' to society, including the committing of crimes.

Kosovo

Risk of links between hooligans and politics, violence and crime

Groups

Relevant ultras and hooligans groups in the Western Balkans

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Levels of links between hooligans and politics, violence and crime

Gallery

Hooligans world

A selection of photos showing the ultras and hooligans world in the Western Balkans

Kosovo

Groups

Relevant ultras and hooligans groups in the Western Balkans

Levels of links between hooligans and politics, violence and crime

Albania

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Kosovo

North Macedonia

Montenegro

Serbia

Hooligans world