Ultras between stigma and social activism

Abstract

From 2016 to 2018, we conducted ethnographic research on young members of the ultras group White Stones in Varaždin. We analysed the social activism of this group as related to the ‘AMF’ club NK Varteks in order to affirm how members of White Stones view their club as opposed to similar examples in Europe, as well as to determine whether this group of youth are stigmatised. As opposed to the European context, opposition to the commercialisation of football is present implicitly in their case, while opposition to crime and corruption are the key causes of this group’s social activism. They feel as if they belong to the 'AMF' movement, and stigmatisation is partially present.