The intense derby on Sunday between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid brought attention to the radical group of fans within the stadium.
Amidst the chaos, Atletico’s captain and manager tried to calm balaclava-wearing supporters who threw objects at the rival goalkeeper.
The game was halted, but eventually ended in a 1-1 draw thanks to a late equalizer from Atletico.
Post-match, Atletico players celebrated in front of the section where the troublemakers gathered, shedding light on the complicated relationship between the club and its radical fans.
Furthermore, the match highlighted the historical animosity between the two Madrid clubs and the racist abuse inflicted on players like Vinicius Junior in recent times.
Let’s delve deeper into the history of the Frente Atletico and the implications of their actions.
Who are the Frente Atletico?
Originally formed in 1982, the Frente Atletico started as an enthusiastic supporters club but later morphed into a radical group with right-wing tendencies.
Over the years, the group has been involved in violent incidents, including the tragic death of a Real Sociedad supporter in 1998.
Their presence in the Atletico stadium is still a cause for concern, despite efforts to revoke their official status and ban some members.
How could such a group still be allowed into Atletico’s stadium?
After multiple violent incidents, Atletico tried to distance themselves from the Frente Atletico, but their influence is still evident in the stadium atmosphere.
The club struggles to completely oust the group due to legal constraints and the challenge of identifying individuals involved in wrongful behavior.
Efforts to modernize and control radical elements have been met with limited success, with incidents like the display of a Nazi swastika highlighting ongoing issues.
Were they involved in the racist abuse of Vinicius Jr?
The Frente Atletico faced charges for racially abusing Vinicius Jr in the past, demonstrating a pattern of discriminatory behavior.
In recent incidents, individuals caught racially abusing players were swiftly banned from the stadium, showcasing a zero-tolerance approach to such misconduct.
While no racist abuse was reported during the recent game, the focus shifted to other unsavory incidents involving the fans.
What do most Atletico fans think?
The majority of Atletico fans distance themselves from the radical elements within the Frente Atletico, expressing discontent and disapproval of their actions.
Divisions among fans have been visible, with protests against poor team performances and clashes between different factions within the supporter base.
After the recent events, many fans voiced their embarrassment and frustration, calling for a more positive and respectful fan culture.
What does the rest of Spanish football make of Atletico’s hardcore fans?
The Spanish football authorities have made efforts to curb the influence of ultras and radical fan groups, with varying degrees of success across different clubs.
Instances of racism and violence have tarnished the image of Spanish football, prompting stricter measures and a proactive approach to address such issues.
The response to Atletico’s recent incident was relatively restrained, but the focus remains on promoting a safe and inclusive environment in all Spanish stadiums.
What about Atletico’s international image and the club’s medium-term future?
Despite attempts to elevate the club’s status and modernize its operations, incidents involving radical fans have overshadowed Atletico’s progress.
The club’s leadership faces scrutiny and pressure to address the negative image associated with the Frente Atletico and uphold values of diversity and respect.
Efforts to combat racism and violence are ongoing, with a renewed focus on educating fans and promoting a positive fan culture at Atletico Madrid.
(Top photo: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)