The way it works, it’s not an email address, it’s not a website that your going to, it’s about personal connections with people that can vouch for you. But over the years I built up enough of a cache with people.
You’re always a journalist, so you’re not going to be taken into their bosom. And that’s where the ultras were and that’s where I started to talk to people. So, when I went to West Ham I’d go and stand in the North Bank, that’s where I gravitated towards in every stadium. When I first started out in journalism I didn’t have any contacts or money, so I would often be going to the places where I would stand in the stadium. James Montague: I’ve been writing about the fringes of football culture, so luckily I hadn’t alienated large amounts of people. The MALESTROM: How did you go about getting connected with the different branches of ultras? They don’t seem to be an easy group to get access to, especially with you being a journalist, a career not too high on their trust list… We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with James for a chat where he spoke about what it took to get connected with these dangerous ultra groups, the immense influence the different factions have displayed over the years and about some of the seriously hairy situations he found himself in around the world.
From attending organised forest fighting in the Ukraine, to hanging out with the head of Lazio’s Irriducibili ultras and even getting chased by machete wielding fans in Indonesia, Montague immersed himself in this generally hidden world, emerging with a fascinating and revealing book. On his travels James witnessed all aspects the ultra scene first hand and how it has evolved over the years. In preparation for writing his superb book, 1312: Among The Ultras, he spent years meeting some of the most feared characters who dwell within this powerful subculture. One man who has seen this passion, and indeed violence, up close and in person, is author James Montague. For some hardcore fans, these heightened emotions, mixed with an unwavering devotion to their clubs can even spill over into violence. Those of us instilled with a love for football know how a loss on a Saturday afternoon can ruin a whole week, whereas a win can make all of life’s problems fade away in an instant. Few sports throughout the world have fans who are quite as passionate as supporters of the beautiful game.
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