Hello and welcome to the TIFO football podcast. I'm Joe Devine and today I was joined by James Montague, award-winning journalist, author of four books, including his latest, Justin Shops now 1312, among the Ultras, a journey with the world's most extreme fans. The book is a global history

of the Ultras movement from its birth in Italy and its roots in South America to its eventual

spread to almost every corner of the world. It's a truly global youth subculture that is highly

organised, anti-authoritarian and deeply political. 1312 tells the story of how the

movement began and how it grew to become the global phenomenon that now dominates the stadiums

from the Balkans and Buenos Aires. With unprecedented insider access, the book investigates

how ultras have grown into a fiercely political movement, embracing extremes both on the left and the

right, fighting against commercialisation and against the attempts to control them by the authorities

who both covert and feared their power.

Prior to that, James released the Billionaires Club about the rise of football super-rich owners,

31-0, in which he follows the smallest teams qualifying

for the Brazil World Cup in 2014, and When Friday Comes, where James follow the game in

every country in the Middle East before, during, and after the Arab Spring. He's also written

a number of TIFO video scripts, including extensive work on Qatar ahead of the World Cup and the stories of some of the

Premier League's richest owners. He's just the, he's the coolest guy. It's one of the most

interesting people I've ever met. And it was a pleasure to speak to him for today's episode in which

we spoke about his new book, what it was like spending two years underground with the

ultras and his scariest moments, his process, the people he met along the way,

and ultimately, I suppose, what the Ultras movement actually means. So it was delightful, as

always, to speak to James. Thank you for downloading today's episode. And before we get started,

let me remind you that this podcast is supported by The Athletic

which is one of the best places to read about football online. If you visit Theathletic.com.uk

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