#4 Lazio
In stark contrast to their Polish counterparts, Lazio’s fans are generally in the headlines for their violence and confrontational approach as opposed to busting some moves in the stands. For some, they are the epitome of football hooliganism. The ‘Derby della Capitale’ is arguably the highlight of any Serie A season; tensions flare as Lazio lock horns with bitter rivals Roma at the pair’s shared ‘Stadio Olimpico’ in the heart of the Italian capital. It’s a game that always leads to disputes, often leads to riots and even, on occasion, has lead to multiple deaths.
Back in 2012, before a Europa League tie with Tottenham, fifty Lazio ultras, wielding knives and knuckle dusters among other weapons, inflicted an attack on a pub nearby the Olimpico before kick-off, injuring nine supporters of the North London outfit in the process. The attacks at the time were deemed ‘anti-semitic’, but it’s evident from the endless list of other such scenarios that this was not the only incentive involved. One year on and several people were stabbed prior to a meeting between Lazio and Roma; it’s an ongoing, controversial situation for the Eagles whose fans, most of which portray mere passion and love for their side, are seeing their reputation marred year-on-year.
It has been known for brawls to break out within the club fanbase itself. Some argue that the hooliganism emanates from the club’s political roots; it is thought that Lazio are in fact a club built on fascist ideals, Mussolini’s club, and the formation of Roma from the amalgamation of three pre-existing clubs from the capital left Lazio isolated and their supporters, bitter.
