Fan Club Spotlight: Roma Club Iceland

Today's Fan Club Spotlight takes us to the land of the Viking Clap, where we meet Bernhard Antoniussen, co-manager of Roma Club Iceland...

What is your full name, and role with Roma Club Iceland?

Bernhard Antoniussen: “My name is Bernhard Antoniussen, and I’m the co-manager of Roma Club Iceland. There are three of us who hold the co-manager position. I’m also responsible for the Roma Club Iceland social media accounts.”

What can you tell the readers about yourself and your role with Roma Club Iceland?

Antoniussen: “I started following Roma in the early 1980s, with my first memories being from the amazing 1982-83 season, when we won our second Scudetto. I don’t know exactly why I started supporting Roma, but I have a team photo I got from a packet of football pictures that I bought in a local store as a child. It’s a wonderful photo and the Giallorossi kit is incredible. I think this picture played a big part in why Roma became my club.”

When was Roma Club Iceland formed and what was the idea behind setting up the club?

Antoniussen: “Roma Club Iceland was formed on November 25, 2013, when just three of us, who are now co-managers, met at a bar and watched a match against Cagliari. The three of us immediately got along very well, and decided to form a club where we could come together regularly to watch Roma matches, and connect with other fans in Iceland.”

What does a normal Roma match-day look like for members of Roma Club Iceland?

Antoniussen: “On match days we either meet at someone’s home and call it Stadio di (name of the street or house where we meet), or we meet at a bar in Reykjavik. When we meet at home, we serve Italian refreshments. We usually start about 15 minutes before kickoff but sometimes we meet earlier, depending on the match. Sometimes we have what we call, “Youth Days” where we invite young and future Romanisti to watch with us.”

Why should someone join Roma Club Iceland?

Antoniussen: “Over the years, we have created a friendly and positive atmosphere where everyone is welcome. On our Facebook page, we are very active in promoting the club’s history and values. If you’ve supported Roma for years, or you are a new fan, Roma Club Iceland is the group for you!”

Can you describe what the football culture looks like in Iceland, and how that has impacted Roma Club Iceland?

Antoniussen: “Football is the most popular sport in Iceland, and there are lots of teams, playing in five divisions in men’s football, and three divisions in women’s football. The atmosphere at club matches is rather subdued, and there are not big crowds gathering before matches, unless they are cup finals. The atmosphere around the national team is completely different, and it’s a great experience to go to national team matches now. More importantly, Icelandic fans are passionate about their clubs, and you can see that passion week in and week out with our local clubs, and Roma.”

What is your favourite Roma moment since Roma Club Iceland was formed?

Antoniussen: The club’s best moment was definitely on January 11, 2015, where we had our first “Youth Day” at the bar where me meet to watch matches. The atmosphere was incredible, and Francesco Totti made it such a memorable day, with two amazing goals and a selfie after the second. The bar was buzzing, and people watching other games at the bar joined us in watching Roma. My personal favourite moment was on June 17, 2001, when Roma won the third Scudetto on the Icelandic National Day.”

If you could meet anyone connected to Roma - past or present - who would it be and why?

Antoniussen: “There are a few people connected with Roma who we would love to meet, due to the big part they have played in Roma’s history in our lives. We would have loved to have met Agostino Di Bartolomei, and we also hope one day to meet the Rome legends Bruno Conti, Giuseppe Giannini, Daniele De Rossi and Francesco Totti. I can also add Alessandro Florenzi to the list. Of people from the past, we would also have loved to meet our presidents Dino Viola and Franco Sensi.”

What does it mean for you, and Roma Club Iceland to see football return after such a difficult time?

Antoniussen: “For us, it’s important to get going again and get the football started. It’s so important to meet people regularly again in a friendly atmosphere, and share our passion for this incredible club. Life without Roma is just too difficult.”

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