The Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid derby brought the volatile relationship between Atletico and a section of its fans globally to the fore. After Real Madrid scored, managing to incite violence among balaclava-clad supporters who threw projectiles onto the pitch, the game had to be suspended for twenty minutes. Despite an equalizer late in the match by Atletico, post-game celebrations by the players in front of the section where the violent fans usually congregate led to more tension and controversy. The Frente Atletico ultras, known for their fanatical and choreographed support, were brought into scrutiny, along with Atletico’s sometimes fraught relationship with Real Madrid.
The Frente Atletico was established in 1982, following the ultras movements in Italy and the UK. Initially encouraged by Atletico for the enthusiastic atmosphere they created, the Frente soon came under the influence of radical right-wing views, and instances of violence involving the group started becoming frequent. Despite an attack on Real Sociedad supporter Aitor Zabaleta by Frente members in 1998, the group continued to enjoy privileges, including ticket control and storage space at the Calderon, Atletico’s old stadium.
Atletico has attempted to modernize its operations, however, there is still an evident presence of radical values among its hardcore fanbase. The Frente continues to exercise considerable influence despite several of its old members no longer attending matches regularly. Authorities at the club have argued they can only expel individuals after they commit a crime, and collective action against seemingly disruptive groups wasn’t feasible without substantial proof of misconduct.
The Frente Atletico was implicated in the racial abuse of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior last season. While no racial abuse incident was reported during Sunday’s game, there were reported chants against Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, who was targeted by object-throwing supporters for his ‘provocative’ celebrations. The attacks on Courtois shifted the focus of the animosity during Sunday night’s match.
The self-perception of Atletico, especially among fans, has been that of the quintessential underdog, fighting against oppression and authority. However, the fans’ deep-rooted belief that Real Madrid receives preferential treatment from the media and authorities, a consequence of Atletico’s strained history with the rival club, often manifests itself as animosity and ill-treatment towards Real Madrid’s players. The Frente, notorious for other cases of violence, remain unpopular among most Atletico fans, who tend to stay away from them. Divisions within the fanbase were evident on Sunday evening, as most of the ground was silent while the ultras continued to chant and cheer.
The perceived persecution complex in the Atletico fanbase has resulted in the Frente being continuously viewed as disruptive. They are believed to not reflect the views of the majority. Sunday’s incident has been seen as detrimental to the international image of Atletico, a club regarded as part of Europe’s elite. Club officials and a majority of the fans understand their image has been tainted, acknowledging that the presence of ultras’ influence continues to be concerning and demanding action.
