Until a few years ago, it was common to say that Egypt’s political problem was that the two organized parties with the highest popularity were Al-Ahly and Zamalek, the country’s most prominent sports clubs, which also field the biggest football teams.

In 2007, Ultras Ahlawy (UA-07) officially emerged as a fan club, raising its banner for the first time at a match in which al-Ahly played against ENPPI. According to Mohamed G. Bashir, who has authored the only Egyptian book about the group, the Ultras’ core sense of purpose lies in the unwavering support of their team, whether winning or losing. Ultras members come from various socioeconomic backgrounds and are not organized along political lines, but, by their very nature, exude a culture of anti-authoritarianism — against the media, police, club managers, the Football Federation and more. While bitter critiques of the commercialization of “modern football,” and disillusionment with official fan groups formally organized by the clubs, are key reasons for the Ultras' emergence, they may have also been looking for a homeland to which to proudly belong. Ultras Ahlawy’s slogans — “We are Egypt” and “The Greatest Club in the World” — illustrate that in each other and in their devotion to their club, they have found that missing sense of nationhood.

There are conflicting stories about whether the Ultras had become involved in the political scene before January 2011. Although they released a statement that they would not participate as an organization in the developing revolutionary movement, they left the door open for individual participation. A number of activists contacted the Ultras, calling on them to take part , and on Jan. 22, 2011, a video appeared on YouTube, posted anonymously, assuring those committed to demonstrating on Jan. 25 and those fearful of police brutality and repression that there would be a squadron capable of defending them on the streets. The video showed images of clashes between Egyptian groups, in particular al-Ahly and Zamalek fans, engaged in fights with the police. Perhaps the choice of Jan. 25, National Police Day, as the D-Day for the revolution decided it for the Ultras, who have irreconcilable grudges with the police. A universal Ultras sentiment is “All cops are … ” (ACAB), well, not very good people.

The Ultras undeniably played an important role in the revolution. The revolutionaries relied on the Ultras in decisive standoffs, such as the Camel battle and the Mohamed Mahmoud clashes. During the cabinet clashes, Karika, an Ultras member, was killed by security forces. In the following football match, the Ultras chanted against the rule of the Supreme Coucil of the Armed Forces. A couple of weeks later, the Port Said massacre took place, in which 74 members of Ultras Ahlawy were slaughtered by al-Masry fans as the police stood by doing nothing. The Ultras immediately accused the police of staging or at least allowing the massacre to take place to take revenge against the Ultras, who had played an important role in defeating the police on the Day of Rage, Jan. 28, 2011.