Return of stolen Rapid banners raises questions on ultras hierarchy

While the news of the theft of two important Rapid banners in Venice caused outrage, the swift return of the pieces shows that the internal hierarchy of the Ultras remains contested. The incident, which the Ultras describe as a humiliation, sparked intense discussions among the fans.

The fan group, founded in 1988, the largest and most influential in the country, kept open until Tuesday afternoon how its future path should look. During this period the official statement disappeared from its fan page, ending the debate about a possible dissolution.

KURIER was confirmed that after a car burglary unrelated to fans, the so‑called “Fetzn” – presumably the two banners – were recovered into the possession of the Ultras with the help of friends from Venice.

The following Saturday the Ultras played together with Rapid in Venice; the absence of this appearance would have meant significant changes for the club and the contacts for fan matters.

Block West grows and tensions arise

In the Hanappi Stadium the fan stand was modest, but in 2016 Block West grew in the Allianz Stadium to 7 000 seats – almost three times the original capacity. This expansion led to noticeable tensions within the organized fan scene.

Despite the growth the Ultras group remains the centre of the block and is still regarded as number 1.

Various Ultra groups and their roles

The derby riots in February, which cost the club roughly one million, were largely carried out by the groups “Lions” and “Lords”, positioned on the right side of the Ultras block and today often subject to stadium bans.

On the left side of the block are the “Tornados”, considered the second‑largest group. In total there are double‑digit numbers of fan clubs directly linked to Block West and part of the organized fan scene.

Since the era of honorary president Edlinger it has been held that the dialogue must never end – yet even within the Ultras there is not always consensus on the future path.