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Explained: Why American soccer culture is different

Every few months, the same kind of video resurfaces on Instagram, inevitably going viral. It's a glimpse into a gathering somewhere in the United States. Soccer fans, young and old, women and men, united in a pre-match ritual. They sing songs, wave flags, a vibrant display of passion and belonging.

A joyous scene, seemingly devoid of danger or violence. And yet, the video is shared by hundreds of ultra and hooligan social media accounts, the comments section a predictable mix of disdain and disbelief: "America, stop getting soccer wrong."

It's a sentiment that, to some extent, American soccer has struggled to shake.

There is a visceral hatred towards the idea that the US Ultra culture might actually exist. But it does, and it is sweeping across American soccer.

But beyond the cheap shots and online derision, lies a complex reality. The American soccer scene, and particularly its burgeoning ultra culture, is far more nuanced than a simple imitation of European models. It's a fascinating blend of influences, adapting to the unique social and political landscape of the United States. It's progressive, diverse, and deeply rooted in its local communities. And it's forcing a reckoning with the old guard, both at home and abroad.

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    From Dortmund to Los Angeles: A global exchange of ideas

    Take LAFC, for example. When the team entered the league in 2018, a fan association was established: the 3252, named after the number of seats in their North Stand. Eager to learn from the best, LAFC sent a delegation to Borussia Dortmund, hoping to glean insights into building a successful team and fostering an atmosphere that might rival Dortmund's famous Yellow Wall.

    Sensing potential commercial opportunities, Dortmund's back office welcomed them with open arms. This transatlantic exchange highlights the growing recognition of the importance of fan culture in driving the success of soccer clubs worldwide. It also underscores the desire within the American soccer community to learn from the best while forging its own unique identity.

    But is it all just a corporate sham? A cynical attempt to manufacture authenticity? Fan culture expert Martino Simsek certainly thinks so, stating that "If the cura in Italy represents Italian Society then the cura in America represents American society and it represents the complete takeover of football by corporations"

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  • More than just corporate: The progressive heart of American ultras

    There are also large Ultra groups at Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers, Atlanta United, Orlando City and Inter Miami attracting crowds as large if not bigger than many European leagues.

    One of the most striking differences between American and European ultra cultures lies in their social makeup. In the United States, soccer is predominantly a middle-class game, and its ultra scene reflects this demographic. This translates into a far more progressive and inclusive environment. Rainbow flags are common, as are female capos, the terrace leaders who lead the chants in the stadiums. Except for parts of Germany and for a few individual examples elsewhere, that is something almost unheard of in the European scene.

    This commitment to inclusivity extends beyond gender and sexual orientation. American ultra groups often champion social justice causes and actively combat discrimination within their ranks. They are vocal advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality, and environmental protection. This progressive stance is a defining feature of the American ultra scene and sets it apart from many of its European counterparts.

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    The limits of rebellion: Navigating league rules and restrictions

    Of course, the American ultra scene is not without its constraints. Unlike their European counterparts, US-based groups operate under strict league rules and regulations. Anarchy is not tolerated. Pyro inside a stadium, for example, is a big no-no, and only League-approved pyro can be used under strict conditions. Political banners are also generally prohibited.

    This tension between the desire for authentic expression and the need to comply with league regulations has led to numerous clashes. When MLS's fan code of conduct was introduced in 2019, Portland Timbers fans were banned from flying an Iron Front flag – a German anti-Nazi flag from the 1930s – because of its perceived political nature. The decision sparked outrage, with former NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leading the outcry, arguing that "stifling the free speech of athletes or fans is not consistent with our vision of sports or our vision of democracy." The league eventually relented and dropped the ban, but the incident highlighted the ongoing struggle to balance freedom of expression with the desire to maintain a politically neutral environment.

    Toronto FC's ultra group, The Inebriatti, were banned from the stadium in 2018 for one pyro display. The Garden State Ultras had their status as the official support organization revoked by the New York Red Bulls, also in 2018, for behavior that would pass as normal in a German Stadium. "We understand the regulations concerning flares and smoke bombs," the Garden State Ultras said in a statement posted on Facebook, "and we look forward to Red Bull using the footage in more of their promo videos." Last year, the 3252 lost its official privileges at LAFC for lighting pyro before a game, which had to be delayed because smoke was obscuring the pitch.

    These incidents illustrate the delicate balancing act that American ultra groups must perform. They want to create a vibrant and passionate atmosphere, but they also recognize the need to abide by league rules. This tension is likely to persist as the ultra scene continues to grow and evolve.

  • The future of American ultras: A force to be reckoned with

    Despite the challenges and controversies, the American ultra scene is undeniably thriving. Instagram accounts like "Ultras Base USA" highlight the widespread nature of the culture, showcasing organized supporters groups not just from MLS, but from leagues all the way down to the fourth tier of the United Premier Soccer League. Often, these accounts highlight tensions between franchise management and supporter groups, as well as showcasing new chants and pyro displays outside the stadium.

    American soccer has tolerated and allowed the growth of fan culture to a limited extent because it needs it to grow the product. But ultra-culture can be messy, and as it grows, it will demand more space. Whether or not the league will give it to them remains to be seen.

    What is clear is that North American Ultras are here to stay, which is good news for US soccer and, presumably, also good news for the various meme accounts that have weaponized and monetized this culture as content. American ultras are not simply a copy of their European counterparts. They are a unique and evolving phenomenon, shaped by the specific social and political context of the United States. They are progressive, diverse, and deeply rooted in their local communities. They are a force to be reckoned with, and they are changing the face of American soccer.