Tifo

A tifo is a large, coordinated visual display created by supporters in the stands, usually a giant banner, a mosaic of coloured cards, or a sea of flags and smoke unveiled before kick-off or at a big moment. The word comes from Italian ultras culture (short for 'tifosi', the passionate fans), and the tradition has spread worldwide, from Serie A to the Bundesliga to MLS. A tifo can be hand-painted cloth stretched across a whole end of the ground, thousands of coloured cards held up in unison to form an image, or elaborate choreography with flags and streamers. Clubs rarely organise them; dedicated supporter groups design, fund and build them, often in secret, to surprise their own team and intimidate the opposition. At its best a tifo turns a stadium into theatre and reminds everyone that the crowd is part of the spectacle, not just watching it. For more on matchday culture, see the football coverage at The Guardian.