Rituals in time and space: FC Obermais vs FC Wacker Innsbruck.

Words: Imma Rhamely Borrelli

Images: Imma Rhamely Borrelli

FC Obermais vs FC Wacker Innsbruck proved to be the ideal opportunity to warm up for the next championship. Both teams have rich history on the playing fields and met on the grounds of Merano, for a friendly, being twinned.

It was my first experience in South Tyrol and the first time with these two long-standing fans. The expectations before the match were confirmed at the end of the game.

As I was entering the pitch, the fans were taking their seats, preparing banners, flags and choreography. I am fascinated by the details of the preparations, rituals repeated in time and space.

The truth is that the ultra world is really special, even those who go to the stadium little or never, So I always feel obliged to thank the fans who allow me to move freely, observe and photograph.

Behind the FC Wacker Innsbruck banner, the group gathers in the stone steps of the guest area, surrounded by green woods and with flags, with an exciting show of colored smoke, the guest fans make a beautiful and convincing show.

Imma Rhamely Borrelli/ Terrace Edition. FC Obermais supporters vs FC Wacker Innsbruck.

The fans of Obermais are equally interesting, the space dedicated to them is a tribune literally embraced by the green that faces the centre of the two benches, and also hosts a small bar.

They cover the whole balcony with banners, a very beautiful scene both from the bottom and from the opposite side. Here too, the cheers are unceasing, passionate and genuine, and coloured by smoke.

The language of the ultra’s choruses is universal, transversal to every language or dialect, making it always engaging. Despite the team from Innsbruck taking an overwhelming 7-1 victory, the enthusiasm of the fans remains intact. And even though it is a friendly match, the performances of the fans are high.

At the end of the game, as players and staff head under the curves to thank first their opponents and then their supporters, I start to leave with eyes full of satisfaction and a mind full of indelible memories.

Imma Rhamely Borrelli/ Terrace Edition. FC Wacker Innsbruck supporter vs FC Obermais.

Imma Rhamely Borrelli/ Terrace Edition. FC Wacker Innsbruck supporters vs FC Obermais.

Imma Rhamely Borrelli/ Terrace Edition. FC Obermais bar vs FC Wacker Innsbruck.

Imma Rhamely Borrelli/ Terrace Edition. FC Obermais sticker.

Imma Rhamely Borrelli/ Terrace Edition. FC Wacker Innsbruck tattoo vs FC Obermais.

Imma Rhamely Borrelli/ Terrace Edition. FC Obermais box vs FC Wacker Innsbruck.

Imma Rhamely Borrelli/ Terrace Edition. FC Obermais vs FC Wacker Innsbruck.

Imma Rhamely Borrelli/ Terrace Edition. FC Obermais pennant vs FC Wacker Innsbruck.

You can find Imma on Instagram: @rhamely

Her website is www.rhamely.com

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