Former ballerina Leslie Niccoli (60) is a choreographer and also a member of the torcida organizada Mancha Verde – the largest group of ultras (fervent fans) that support Palmeiras, one of São Paulo's most popular football teams.
How did you get into football?
I first went to games aged three on my father’s shoulders. All my family comes from Calabria and I was raised in the traditions of southern Italy. So we always supported Palmeiras which used to be called Palestra Italia and traditionally is one of the main institutions of the Italian community in São Paulo.
Why did you join the Mancha Verde group of ultras?
I felt suffocated sitting in the expensive seats. So without telling my family I started going on my own to the terrace where Mancha gathers. There I can give full expression to my passion for football. I can curse and swear. Mancha is more passionate, a beautiful group that vibrates with emotion for the team.
But what of the violence involving ultras?
Mancha is not just about violence. We have a bad reputation but it is more about looking out for each other. But I can fight well enough. Ballet teaches you agility. I can handle myself. I’ve been inside a police station on several occasions. There are moments when I think at my age it is time to give it all up. But I can’t bring myself to.
Do you feel the same passion for the national team?
No. My passion for Palmeiras is much greater. Maybe if there were more Palmeiras players in the squad I would be more interested. Anyway most people who go to Brazil games are not fans who follow a club all year round. Most know little about football.
Do you think the efforts to eject ultras from Brazilian football will work?
There should be less violence in football because it ha
s become too much. But if you take groups like Mancha out of the stadiums, our football will lose some of its emotion. It would be a shame and unlikely to solve the question of violence which would just move to the streets outside stadiums.
