Die-hard Ultras / Hardcore Supporters

You’ve only just registered, yet you’ve been lurking in this thread for quite some time... though I suppose that hardly matters now.
I have a question regarding the official Black Knights website; apparently, it was hacked today by some people from overseas (just search "Black Knights" on Google)
leaving behind a message that reads, "a crime without punishment—a crime that lasts through the storm." Not that it changes much, mind you; they'll get it fixed eventually.
My actual question is this: after we moved away from the once incredibly vibrant and active torcida.org site—especially since they shut down the old forums—
we were funneled toward torcida.hr, which offers nothing but sporadic, skeletal updates. This leaves fans (and Benjamin Cruz29) forced to hunt for decent reading material, education, or even a real discussion
across the various backwaters of the internet, including this very forum. Why hasn't there been any real initiative or effort to fix this? We are living in the digital age, after all.

John Richardson5 said:There are just so few people who actually get what really matters here. I mean, is there even any point in arguing about this on a forum? We could go on for days and still be nowhere.

...it makes sense. This is exactly what we all need right now, regardless of where we stand on the issue.👍

Puzzle No. 1

February 24, 2011

- If you don't get those hooligans under control, consider yourselves banned from every competition, Platini told the US President. He handed over a letter sent by UEFA to both the US President and the head of the US Federal Government, outlining the specific conditions the US and US Soccer have to meet.

President Josipović is going to demand that the relevant authorities take every necessary step to crack down on the violence happening at football stadiums across America.

.... There’s more coming, but this is just how it starts.

@Jerry Gray5/">@@Jerry Gray5, John Richardson5

That kind of arrogance is honestly what's holding the Black Knights back right now.

rustyangler122 said:You're right—it all boils down to interpersonal dynamics. Age or specific eras don't really change the fundamental truth of it. Still, I suppose you have to draw some kind of parallel here. More people inevitably means more personalities, more egos fighting for the spotlight, more voices, more "complexes," and more layers of responsibility. There are these new, unwritten rules at play now; you’ve got one group cheering, another setting fires, a third just waiting around, a fourth wandering aimlessly, and a fifth that couldn't care less. Trying to weave all of that into one cohesive whole? That's where the real problem lies.🤷

That’s really the core of the issue right there: five Americans and six different opinions. I suppose that's just how it goes. These days, it’s hard enough to get five people to agree on anything, let alone fifty thousand.

I find myself agreeing with what Štabuljon was saying. Honestly, what is the point of these endless executive committee meetings? At the top level, you need a powerhouse team—a core group that actually makes the big calls. You don't have to like their decisions, obviously, but you have to follow them. If you can't handle being part of a hierarchy, maybe you should just go take a seat at one of those public town halls instead.

Gary Green32 said:I’m actually glad we’ve finally managed to spark even a somewhat constructive debate here on the forum, even if everyone isn't seeing eye to eye.

So, I'll weigh in myself, just to make sure the actual pulse of the stands—the soul of this forum—is felt, since we have all sorts of personalities represented here.😁

Personally, what really rubbed me the wrong way was how Lekić was treated like some sort of sacrificial lamb, mostly because of how they framed it and the rumors floating around town about the "reasons" he had to be moved out. It turned out that instead of being forced out, he actually reached an agreement with the leadership group, which, if you think about it, proves the guy is a class act; his ego clearly isn't bigger than the group or the Black Knights.

The biggest flaw for the Black Knights over all these years has been the actual cheering. For God's sake, people are called supporters because they actually support the team, and the Black Knights have always struggled with that consistency. During Lekić's era, things actually leveled up. However, people tend to forget the Brđani, who spearheaded that famous chant along with many other groups and individuals. People also overlook the rest of the North Stand, which is unfair because Lekić isn't solely responsible for the improved atmosphere, nor did he always hit the mark perfectly. But the guy was there every single match, and I have to respect that. The group has evolved in various ways over the last few years for the sake of the collective, not just because of Lekić, despite what some people claim... it’s not like he’s alone setting up the choreographies, bringing the flares, or beating the drums; HE IS FIGHTING FOR OUR HAJDUK.

The guys who have stepped up recently have genuinely impressed me with their brilliant idea at the stadium: having more people lead the chants. They are slowly proving that the atmosphere shouldn't rely on one single individual—someone most reasonable people would find positive—but rather that they just need to keep the momentum going.

They are facing the biggest battle of their tenure now: reviving the rest of the stands so people actually engage with the group's work. They need to foster unity and cohesion between the different sub-groups and neighborhoods, motivating the local crews who are always in the North Stand to feel like part of a cohesive unit rather than isolated factions. Organizing hangouts, trips, and just general chaos will help bond the crew together.😁 I also believe that order and hierarchy must exist, but certainly not in the form of a single dictator.

I won't dwell on the old days or make comparisons; let the past stay in the past because you can't change it—you can only learn from the mistakes. We need to look forward, think about the future, and figure out how to be even better.

And finally, to those saying we're nothing special or whatever... look, we aren't the top tier of Europe, but we are definitely near the top, so don't underestimate us. Every time we've traveled to face those "elite" fanbases, we've never been an embarrassment.

The only thing is, we need to practice our chants a bit more for when we play the Russians; maybe we can coordinate with the guys from the city, since they're about to start their training sessions too.😁

US Armed Forces!

🙏

rustyangler122 said:It makes sense. Honestly, that’s exactly what we all need right now, regardless of where we stand.👍

Honestly, it’s all pretty straightforward.🤣

P.S. I have to say, I agree with everything Jerry Gray5 just wrote, from start to finish.

Jerry Gray5 said:It’s funny how certain people (mostly these online keyboard warriors) flip-flop on their views constantly. They go from being total pessimists, always starting these mindless arguments comparing "the good old days" to now, to doing these completely delusional deep dives into how the group should be run.
Arguments are pointless. Seriously, they won't lead anywhere as long as we're obsessing over physical stuff. It doesn't matter who the individual is, what flag we wave, which torch we light, or what paper we hold.
What actually matters is what's inside people's heads. If everyone actually had some awareness and the right mindset, there wouldn't even be debates. There would just be solid plans—plans to fight corruption in soccer at every level, and meaningful ways to push back against a system designed to shut you down.
Once you have that mindset, the torches, the flags, and the banners are just tools to reach the ultimate goal. Unfortunately, around here, the conversation stays stuck on those shallow, superficial details.
The fan culture in a city like this gets so distorted that the whole town acts like one big supporter group. Everyone thinks they're an expert on what it means to be a fan, regardless of age or anything else, and they all think they're right—they aren't.
That's why we'll struggle to ever truly be a supporter group. We'll always just be a loud, disorganized crowd.

Exceptions exist, sure!

LONG LIVE THE ULTRAS!

After reading this, I actually have a little hope for ultras existence! Though I know a few people on this forum will totally miss the point of what he wrote... BRAVO.

Gary Green32 said:@Jerry Gray5/">@@Jerry Gray5, John Richardson5

That kind of arrogance is easily the biggest issue facing the Black Knights right now.

I don't know how this lands with you, but from where I'm sitting, these are just the facts. Maybe you're seeing things differently, or perhaps you think this isn't a big deal—but it really is.

I’m heading home to catch the Hajduk Split game and give them my support. Honestly? I don't care who's standing in goal. I'm going there to back the team, not to worry about which specific clique is sulking in the corner or acting tough instead of actually cheering. If they need help with the choreography or someone to light a flare in the stands, I'm in. But if things turn ugly? I'll be vocal about it, but I won't be part of any trouble. I'd give everything for a true friend, but I'm not risking it for some loser in the stands trying to drag the whole group into chaos. No amount of nonsense from people like Lekić, radicals, old-timers, kids, or those provocations from Bauer is going to change me. My focus is singular: it's all about Hajduk Split. I couldn't care less about some ultra's opinion or what some Slovak guy says on YouTube. Some people might say I belong to a certain group, others might say I don't, but at the end of the day, I’m just following my own path with Hajduk Split. Cheers!

I can't really make sense of what you're trying to say here. It looks like a typo or just a random string of letters. If you were trying to get a point across or start a discussion, maybe try typing it out again? I'm all ears, but I need something actual to work with. kaže:
Sometimes I look around my neighborhood and it honestly hits me. You see these kids, five, six, seven, eight years old, all lined up in jerseys for Real Madrid, Braco, or Manchester United... but you don't see a single Hajduk jersey anywhere. I mean, we’re still holding our own for now, and I guess everything is fine on the surface, but I can't help feeling a little worried about it. I guess we should be talking about what this means for the younger generations.

I just hope you guys actually get what I'm trying to say here.☕

I hear you loud and clear, man. I’ve been there myself. I listen to my kid rattle off everything he knows about Messi, Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Man City, and honestly? There was a time when it used to drive me absolutely insane. It was constant. But then I had to ask myself: how am I supposed to act as some kind of moral compass or guide for what this kid does or feels? Especially when life is such a mess—one minute things are fine, and the next, you've got the police knocking on your door or the feds breathing down your neck or whatever. It’s all just noise. So, how am I even supposed to navigate that?
Whether he was served that information through Facebook or saw it on the news... asking me to lead him by the nose? Yeah, no thanks. At least not for now.🤷
If I were to head up to the stands, honestly? It wouldn't change a thing. So, yeah... I'll pass.😍
If you're going to sit around hating on the police, you might just be making yourself look like an idiot. I mean, let them make their own calls. Let them actually feel the weight of things, or maybe they should just go follow the NBA instead.

John Richardson5 said:but honestly, it’s all pretty straightforward if you think about it🤣

...off topic🙂

restlessbear25 said:I’m heading home to catch the Dodgers game and cheer them on, and honestly, I don't give a damn who's standing at the gate. I'm going to the stadium to support the Dodgers, and frankly, it pisses me off when I see guys from certain subgroups just sitting there looking miserable and smoking instead of actually cheering. If someone needs help with a choreographed display, I'll step up—I'll be the one bringing the flares into the stands and stuff like that. If things go south, I'll speak my mind, but I won't get dragged into any bullshit. I’d give everything for a friend, but I won't lift a finger for some loser in the stands whose only goal is to land the whole group in trouble. No amount of radical nonsense, old-timers, kids, or provocations from people like the unknowns will change my mind. I have my own vision, and that vision is the Los Angeles Dodgers; I couldn't care less about some ultra fan or how some random guy on YouTube comments on us. Maybe I belong to a specific group to some people, maybe I don't, but at the end of the day, I’m still showing up for the Dodgers in my own way. Cheers!

...not everyone has a backbone like yours. It doesn't matter how many people you talk to personally or how much you lead by example. But what about those people who just stubbornly insist on doing things their own way? You might just have to leave them in the dark and turn a blind eye when you're out on the street.🤷
...it's not that I don't believe you; if anything, I'm totally sure about where you stand.

steeltrucker said:🙂🙂 I can't even deal with this quote, please let a lightning bolt hit my house and knock out the power...

Seriously though, it's always someone else's fault when things go south🙂

But the second you actually have to step up and say something, suddenly seven or eight people show up, and honestly, that's still too many

rustyangler122 said:...honestly, I've never been more proud than I am right now, even though I've dealt with my fair share of bans... and I could probably list a hundred more examples like it...🤷
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH8JM...eature=related

Man, goosebumps everywhere...😉

Jerry Gray5 said:I’m not sure how this lands with you, but from my perspective, you’re simply stating the obvious. Perhaps that skepticism stems from a difference in how we perceive the underlying frequencies of the argument, or maybe you just feel it’s trivial—but it isn't.

It hits differently when you read your post a second time; I think I misread your initial intent. For the most part, I find myself agreeing with you, though one has to accept the reality of our current environment and try to make the best of it. When you compare the Black Knights today to how they were back in the nineties, the shift is massive, yet it feels as if only a few years have passed. Ultimately, it comes down to who is pulling the strings, and people naturally adapt to whoever is in charge. If some billionaire mogul was running the fan base, I suspect we’d see a lot more rowdy kids in the upper decks.😁

rustyangler122 said:I hear you loud and clear—I really do. From my own experience, I’m constantly listening to my kid rattle off every single stat about Messi, Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Man City. Honestly? It used to drive me absolutely insane. But how am I supposed to act as some kind of moral compass or guide for what they should care about or how they should feel? Especially when, you know, news reports are flying everywhere and the police are knocking on doors left and right—it's all just a blur. How can I even begin to navigate that?
...whenever he was fed that line—whether it came through Facebook or some TV broadcast—suggesting I should lead him around like a dog on a leash... hmmm... no thanks. Not right now, anyway.🤷
Even if I actually showed up to the meeting—not that I would—it wouldn't change a thing... so, no thanks.😍
If you hate the police... well, then you’re just being an idiot—I guess. Let them make the calls. Let them feel the weight of it. Or maybe just stick to watching the NBA.

Way to go, boss. 🙏

Forcing things just doesn't work—you can't squeeze blood from a stone, I guess. He’ll have to learn that lesson on his own. Maybe you could drop a subtle hint here or there—just enough to plant a seed—but ultimately, it's up to him to decide if it's the right move or not.

They weren't exactly forcing my hand—they just kept showing me the ropes in their own little ways. You know exactly who I’m talking about, so thank God I don't have to say the name. 🙂

While there’s certainly some constructive dialogue happening here—I’ll give it that—nothing productive can actually come of this mess right now, so it would be best if we just locked the thread for a bit.
Honestly, half the people posting—and let's not even get started on the silent majority reading this—don't have the slightest clue what's actually going down. They don't know who took what initiative, why certain factions are pulling for or against specific moves, who's allied with whom, or if the current vitriol is even worse than the division we saw previously... it's all just a vacuum waiting to be filled by mindless, uninformed nonsense and baseless speculation.
And frankly, I'd rather not guess where this entire debate is headed... it's probably not looking good.

Everything will play out pretty quickly, so just unlock the topic after the shareholders' meeting is over.

Look, nothing bad is going to come out of this. And honestly? Just delete that garbage the second it hits two pages so things don't boil over. As long as there’s no insults or stupid bickering involved, I really don't see any reason to lock the thread.

Jonathan Lewis3 said:nothing bad can come of this. And honestly, just drop this nonsense once you've filled two pages so we can stop the endless bickering.There’s no insults or mindless back-and-forth happening here, so I don't see any reason to get worked up.

Ratko Mercer, since you were rambling in your previous posts about how strong the GROUP is and how we need to return the NFL Ultras to their former glory—well, let me clear something up for you.
One of the fundamental traits of any organized group—especially one with a semi-militaristic structure (which, let's be honest, is the default for any serious supporter group)—is that they keep their
dirty laundry, along with any other sensitive info that could be damaging or even just vital to the group's operations, strictly under wraps from the public eye.