Inside the Curva Sud: The Passion and Flares of AC Milan Ultras

Canon PS S230 | 11mm Lens | Exposure f4 @ 1/60 | © James Gray

In the early 2000s I was living and working in Milan , and one of the perks of living here was to take advantage of the great football on offer, notably AC Milan . I soon became a season ticket holder and saw many great games against some of the best Italian clubs and through the UEFA cup, most of the best European teams also, including a bunch of premier league clubs. For the princely sum of €120 I had a season ticket. This also gave us access to the UEFA games, which we had to pay extra for the tickets but that was only a fraction of what you'd have to pay to see a top London club play. We used to pay just €10 for a seat on the second level.

This series of pictures was taken from the third level and was right above the home end, the Tifosi (supporters/die-hard fans). What was surprising was all the choreography from the unveiling of the flags at points throughout the game and the firing of flares and setting off of the loudest fireworks, made louder because of the effect of the stadium. You can just make out the 'lieutenants' who organise all the moments standing facing the Tifosi. No matter how important the game, it could be a cup tie or final, these guys face the fans and do their part organising the game. The sequence of pictures shows the flares being set off and then taking hold.

The plumes of red smoke would fill the stand.

Canon PS S230 | 11mm Lens | Exposure f4 @ 1/60 | © James Gray

While I love to watch football, I've not taken so many pictures of football matches. Other sports covered include cycling, and in particular the Flanders Classic in 2018.