Juventus ultras protest: ‘First you kick us out, then complain?’

Juventus ultras complained about the treatment levied against them by the club in a series of banners near the Allianz Stadium in Turin.

The Bianconeri ultras have taken a stand against president Andrea Agnelli and director Maurizio Arrivabene for the costs of tickets and their statements about the type of fans they want at the stadium.

A few days ago, Arrivabene gave an interview to Tuttosport, where he commented on the kind of supporters Juventus want to attract to the Allianz Stadium.

“For me, cheering must be there regardless. Either you’re a fan all the time or not. Once you’re there and another time you’re not and you don’t make your voice heard. For me, cheering must be consistent, constant and healthy.

“Then whether it is chanted, shouted or something else doesn’t matter, as long as it is healthy. If you use cheering as a form of blackmail against the club, how can you be a Juventus fan?”

A number of banners were raised near the stadium in Turin today in protest, complaining about the treatment of the club and the costs of tickets.

One banner read: “We are ultras and as ultras you must accept us. Free to cheer, free to love. As in all the stadiums of Italy.”

Another one complained about the suggestion that fans are customers: “First you kick us out and then you complain. Save your morals, we are not customers.”

Finally, a simple banner complaining about the cost of a season ticket: “700 euros of shame.”

Ultras are a relatively divisive topic in Italy, with some appreciating their passionate support and incredible displays, whilst others suggest that they’re often troublemakers and cause problems for regular fans.