Having considered three international case studies in which football and politics have been inseparable, we now turn our attention to domestic rivalries which are dictated by very similar political sentiments. However, where the sense of nationalism is lost, the theme of ideology is gained. It is these ideological differences between clubs and between fans which fuel the bitter domestic rivalries that we will outline in this article.
Partizan Belgrade vs Red Star Belgrade - The Eternal War
The Belgarde Derby or, ‘The Eternal War’ is often cited as one of Europe’s fiercest rivalries. Partizan and Red Star are Serbia’s two most decorated teams, sharing 24 of the 25 Serbian league titles since its creation. Their dominance dates back to the mid twentieth century however, where they would often tussle for the Yugoslav league title.
Both teams were founded in 1945 following the formation of Yugoslavia after World War II. Red Star was birthed by the communist party of Yugoslavia, and just a few months later, The People’s Army of Yugoslavia created Partizan. Instantly, the city was divided. Your political persuasion would determine the team you supported. Those in support of the army would support Partizan; traditionally, all others would opt to support Red Star.
At first, the teams were used more for political gain by the parties which controlled them. In the late 1980s and early 1990s however, they provided symbols of national identity before and during the breakup of Yugoslavia. "Before the bloody conflict that saw Yugoslavia fall apart in 1991 to 1995, fans of both major Serbian and Croatian clubs [Dimano Zagreb and Hadjuk Split] started to identify their beloved club with their own republic. So, it was not Red Star versus Dinamo Zagreb any more, it was Serbia versus Croatia all over."
Today, animosity still runs deep between the two sides. Red Star supporters are known as Delije, translating to a strong or handsome young man. Violence is not uncommon between various factions of Red Star supporters. But Delije are united in their hatred for Grobari – the name for Partizan fans. Translating to ‘undertakers’ or ‘gravediggers’, it was originally given to them by Red Star supporters, but was taken on by Partizan fans and it has been their official name since the 1970s.
Fans shape football, but fans of the Belgrade clubs have been attributed as shapers of politics too. A riot started by Delije in a match against Dinamo Zagreb is considered by some to be the true starting point of the Croatian War of Independence, and the most poisonous elements of the Red Star fanbase took part in wars as members of various militias.
With both teams’ stadiums under a mile apart, match days and normal days alike are swarmed by police. Violence is inevitable at games, where political tensions spanning generations come to the fore. In one of the most war-torn cities in Europe, there is one war that still rages on – the war between the ‘Red and Whites’ and the ‘Black and Whites.’
Both teams were founded in 1945 following the formation of Yugoslavia after World War II. Red Star was birthed by the communist party of Yugoslavia, and just a few months later, The People’s Army of Yugoslavia created Partizan. Instantly, the city was divided. Your political persuasion would determine the team you supported. Those in support of the army would support Partizan; traditionally, all others would opt to support Red Star.
At first, the teams were used more for political gain by the parties which controlled them. In the late 1980s and early 1990s however, they provided symbols of national identity before and during the breakup of Yugoslavia. "Before the bloody conflict that saw Yugoslavia fall apart in 1991 to 1995, fans of both major Serbian and Croatian clubs [Dimano Zagreb and Hadjuk Split] started to identify their beloved club with their own republic. So, it was not Red Star versus Dinamo Zagreb any more, it was Serbia versus Croatia all over."
Today, animosity still runs deep between the two sides. Red Star supporters are known as Delije, translating to a strong or handsome young man. Violence is not uncommon between various factions of Red Star supporters. But Delije are united in their hatred for Grobari – the name for Partizan fans. Translating to ‘undertakers’ or ‘gravediggers’, it was originally given to them by Red Star supporters, but was taken on by Partizan fans and it has been their official name since the 1970s.
Fans shape football, but fans of the Belgrade clubs have been attributed as shapers of politics too. A riot started by Delije in a match against Dinamo Zagreb is considered by some to be the true starting point of the Croatian War of Independence, and the most poisonous elements of the Red Star fanbase took part in wars as members of various militias.
With both teams’ stadiums under a mile apart, match days and normal days alike are swarmed by police. Violence is inevitable at games, where political tensions spanning generations come to the fore. In one of the most war-torn cities in Europe, there is one war that still rages on – the war between the ‘Red and Whites’ and the ‘Black and Whites.’
Smoke rises from the stands during the Serbian Superleague derby on December 13, 2017
Hansa Rostock v FC Saint Pauli – Germany’s Politischen Derby
Despite being located over 100 miles away from each other, the hatred between the fans of Hansa Rostock and FC St Pauli is palpable. This rivalry is not a local one, but an ideological one. The political ideals of the two clubs and their fanbases fuel a bitter rivalry, which is about far more than success on the football pitch.
The St Pauli fan movement encompasses anti-fascism, anti-racism, and anti-globalisation. Such liberal attitudes too have been adopted by the club – they were the first in Europe to overtly ban anything to do with racism. It is estimated that five million people today support St Pauli at least on a casual basis. This is staggering considering they are from Hamburg – where the traditionally successful side in this part of Germany are, of course, Hamburger SV. Many have stated that this suggests supporting a club is about far more than success on the field. Association with an organisation which you believe in appeals to fans much more. They are well-known as one of the world’s openly left-wing clubs, and their level of support suggests football and politics are inseparable.
Conversely, Hansa Rostock of the old East-German port city are known as possessing the antithesis of these beliefs. They were very successful in the East-German ‘Oberliga’, and enjoyed 10 years in the Bundesliga after German unification. Now however, they sit in the third tier. They are the most supported team in the former East Germany, but their large fan base has often been plagued by the views and actions of a minority of ‘ultra’ supporters.
Citizens of Rostock felt very much left behind following the reunification of Germany, and these attitudes grew to hatred. A prevalent right-wing ethos leaks into the views of Hansa’s fans, and in the past, supporters have been associated with actions of xenophobia, racism and neo-Nazism.
With these extreme feelings reaching their peak in 1992, St Pauli visited for the first time. “Their left wing, anti-fascist ethos went down like a lead balloon in the maelstrom of Rostock. Violent clashes bedevilled this first tie, and have continued ever since.”
Hansa and St Pauli are not local rivals, but The Politicshen Derby is one of the world’s most vitriolic derbies. Ideology is brought to the fore and instead of separating one’s politics from their football, the two become very much interlinked. Fans of either club can channel their antipathy towards another’s views through support of their football club, which leaves no surprise as to why when the two meet, matters between fans often spill over.
The St Pauli fan movement encompasses anti-fascism, anti-racism, and anti-globalisation. Such liberal attitudes too have been adopted by the club – they were the first in Europe to overtly ban anything to do with racism. It is estimated that five million people today support St Pauli at least on a casual basis. This is staggering considering they are from Hamburg – where the traditionally successful side in this part of Germany are, of course, Hamburger SV. Many have stated that this suggests supporting a club is about far more than success on the field. Association with an organisation which you believe in appeals to fans much more. They are well-known as one of the world’s openly left-wing clubs, and their level of support suggests football and politics are inseparable.
Conversely, Hansa Rostock of the old East-German port city are known as possessing the antithesis of these beliefs. They were very successful in the East-German ‘Oberliga’, and enjoyed 10 years in the Bundesliga after German unification. Now however, they sit in the third tier. They are the most supported team in the former East Germany, but their large fan base has often been plagued by the views and actions of a minority of ‘ultra’ supporters.
Citizens of Rostock felt very much left behind following the reunification of Germany, and these attitudes grew to hatred. A prevalent right-wing ethos leaks into the views of Hansa’s fans, and in the past, supporters have been associated with actions of xenophobia, racism and neo-Nazism.
With these extreme feelings reaching their peak in 1992, St Pauli visited for the first time. “Their left wing, anti-fascist ethos went down like a lead balloon in the maelstrom of Rostock. Violent clashes bedevilled this first tie, and have continued ever since.”
Hansa and St Pauli are not local rivals, but The Politicshen Derby is one of the world’s most vitriolic derbies. Ideology is brought to the fore and instead of separating one’s politics from their football, the two become very much interlinked. Fans of either club can channel their antipathy towards another’s views through support of their football club, which leaves no surprise as to why when the two meet, matters between fans often spill over.
Players of St. Pauli celebrate after the Second Bundesliga match between FC St. Pauli and Hansa Rostock at the Millerntor Stadium in March 2009.
Rangers vs Celtic - The Old Firm
The historical background of the Old Firm derby is important when we consider the political undertones that characterise the fixture today. In fact, the derby was most likely given its name in an early match where the commentator described the two Glasgow teams as being “like two old, firm friends.” However, the friendship aspect of this relationship has somewhat deteriorated over time.
The political landscape of this rivalry is rooted in tradition, nationalism, identity and religion-all vital aspects of understanding Glaswegian footballing allegiance. In simple terms, Rangers fans are aligned with Protestantism and loyal to the British crown, whereas Celtic align themselves with Catholicism and Irish republicanism.
This can not only be seen through scarfs and flags highlighting respective allegiances, but also through chants adding to the atmosphere of tension and hostility synonymous with an Old Firm matchday. The Green Brigade (Celtic ultra-group) have made their Irish roots clear with songs like ‘Roll of Honour’ and ‘Broad Black Brimmer’ still being sung today. These songs are strongly linked to Irish Republicanism and the IRA with the rivalry peaking between the late 1960s and 1990s largely down to the ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland. The ideological differences highlighted throughout ‘The Troubles’ were extremely similar to the differences in Glasgow, so existing tensions were made worse.
The political landscape of this rivalry is rooted in tradition, nationalism, identity and religion-all vital aspects of understanding Glaswegian footballing allegiance. In simple terms, Rangers fans are aligned with Protestantism and loyal to the British crown, whereas Celtic align themselves with Catholicism and Irish republicanism.
This can not only be seen through scarfs and flags highlighting respective allegiances, but also through chants adding to the atmosphere of tension and hostility synonymous with an Old Firm matchday. The Green Brigade (Celtic ultra-group) have made their Irish roots clear with songs like ‘Roll of Honour’ and ‘Broad Black Brimmer’ still being sung today. These songs are strongly linked to Irish Republicanism and the IRA with the rivalry peaking between the late 1960s and 1990s largely down to the ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland. The ideological differences highlighted throughout ‘The Troubles’ were extremely similar to the differences in Glasgow, so existing tensions were made worse.
Rangers supporters, most notably the ‘Union Bears’ (Rangers ultra-group) also make their political views clear on the terraces. ‘Rule Britannia’ is regularly sung at Ibrox, while the Union Bears ultras end every home game with a rendition of “God Save the Queen.” In 2014, the Union Bears even went as far to display an anti-independence banner.
The sectarian divide in the city has a long and complicated history, and the problems of religion in Glasgow are still relevant today. Rangers’ Loyalist song ‘Billy Boys’ sung to the tune ‘Marching Through Georgia’, reflects the sectarian divide in the city of Glasgow. As a result of this, Rangers were fined £13,000 for an incident in Villareal in 2006 where their fans sung ‘Billy Boys’ in the stands, forcing the club owner David Murray to ban any variation of the song. The ‘Billy Boys’ chant led to further trouble for Rangers in August 2019 when they were given a partial stadium ban, with a punishment of 3,000 empty seats at Ibrox for their second leg fixture against Legia Warsaw in the Europa League.
On a lighter note, the extent of the rivalry can even be seen in pubs, especially in the lead up to matchday. Before the 2016 Scottish League Cup semi-final, Rangers fans decided to paint the curb outside one of Celtic’s most prominent pubs blue, red and white. Celtic fans retaliated by redecorating the curb once more-this time in the Celtic colours of green and white. The rivalry runs deep. In 2016, Wetherspoons announced an Old Firm blackout for all their bars in Glasgow, alongside additional security as a result of safety fears.
The intersection of Politics and religion is undoubtedly tied to the football. An infamous example of this was the signing of Mo Johnston by Graeme Souness in 1989. This was significant as Johnston was openly Catholic and became Rangers’ first Catholic player in a club often viewed as ‘the protestant club.’ In fact, the backlash of this transfer was telling with David Miller, secretary of the Rangers Supporters Club Association saying, “It is a sad day for Rangers… There will be a lot of people handing in their season tickets. I don’t want to see a Roman Catholic at Ibrox. It really sticks in my throat.”
On the pitch, Rangers and Celtic are still the kings of Scottish football with 54 and 51 league titles respectively. However, the long-lasting political and religious divisions symbolic of the Old Firm derby are just as important as the football what happens on the pitch.
The sectarian divide in the city has a long and complicated history, and the problems of religion in Glasgow are still relevant today. Rangers’ Loyalist song ‘Billy Boys’ sung to the tune ‘Marching Through Georgia’, reflects the sectarian divide in the city of Glasgow. As a result of this, Rangers were fined £13,000 for an incident in Villareal in 2006 where their fans sung ‘Billy Boys’ in the stands, forcing the club owner David Murray to ban any variation of the song. The ‘Billy Boys’ chant led to further trouble for Rangers in August 2019 when they were given a partial stadium ban, with a punishment of 3,000 empty seats at Ibrox for their second leg fixture against Legia Warsaw in the Europa League.
On a lighter note, the extent of the rivalry can even be seen in pubs, especially in the lead up to matchday. Before the 2016 Scottish League Cup semi-final, Rangers fans decided to paint the curb outside one of Celtic’s most prominent pubs blue, red and white. Celtic fans retaliated by redecorating the curb once more-this time in the Celtic colours of green and white. The rivalry runs deep. In 2016, Wetherspoons announced an Old Firm blackout for all their bars in Glasgow, alongside additional security as a result of safety fears.
The intersection of Politics and religion is undoubtedly tied to the football. An infamous example of this was the signing of Mo Johnston by Graeme Souness in 1989. This was significant as Johnston was openly Catholic and became Rangers’ first Catholic player in a club often viewed as ‘the protestant club.’ In fact, the backlash of this transfer was telling with David Miller, secretary of the Rangers Supporters Club Association saying, “It is a sad day for Rangers… There will be a lot of people handing in their season tickets. I don’t want to see a Roman Catholic at Ibrox. It really sticks in my throat.”
On the pitch, Rangers and Celtic are still the kings of Scottish football with 54 and 51 league titles respectively. However, the long-lasting political and religious divisions symbolic of the Old Firm derby are just as important as the football what happens on the pitch.
September 2018 - Celtic players celebrate after an Old Firm victory at Celtic Park
Boca Juniors vs River Plate - The 'SuperClásico'
The SuperClásico is undeniably one of, if not the, fiercest derbies in the history of football. It pits the two most successful and most popular clubs up against each other in a fixture which the Observer once commented “makes the Old Firm look like a primary school kick-about.”
The inter-city Buenos Aires rivalry is dictated not by location, but by social class. ‘Los Milionarios’, River Plate are viewed as the more affluent side, whilst Boca Juniors are seen as the working-man’s club. This is reflected by the respective nicknames they have adopted – Los Xeneizes (the Genoese). Named after the immigrants from Genoa who helped build the city of Buenos Aires, the club distinctly identify themselves in a separate state to their deepest adversaries. It has been estimated that 70% of all Argentinians support these two clubs and as such, although social class once determined which of them fans would support, this has faded over time.
Much like many footballing rivalries, however, the eagerly anticipated derby is known for its passion – which has not dissipated since the rivalry’s inception. The teams do not just face off on the pitch, but fan conflict is renowned during the build-up to derby day. In one corner, are the River Plate “chickens”, due to their players apparent lack of guts. On the opposing side are the “little pigs” and “manure collectors”, affectionately titled as such by River – due to a polluted river near La Bombonera (Boca Juniors’ stadium) which is famed for its unique smell.
In 1968, however, the match unfortunately took on a new dynamic following the Puerta 12 tragedy. 71 fans, with an average age of just 19, were tragically crushed to death at Gate 12 of the El Monumental stadium. Various contradicting accounts of events exist – from a burning River Plate flag being thrown around the stand, to a locked gate not allowing fans to exit and a consequent stampede occurring. An official government inquiry found no one culpable, but the memory of the Puerta 12 tragedy is a vivid and poignant reminder that although the hatred between the clubs run deep, football is purely a game and should never put lives at risk.
The two teams antagonise, despise and provoke each other in a rivalry created by politics and the social class which divided citizens. Yet, without each other, Argentine football would be far less gripping. The two clubs thrive on a success which is born out of the other’s misery. Simply, the biggest fixture in South America – the SuperClásico – is driven by the politics of social class and has created a hatred and divide unrivalled in world football.
The inter-city Buenos Aires rivalry is dictated not by location, but by social class. ‘Los Milionarios’, River Plate are viewed as the more affluent side, whilst Boca Juniors are seen as the working-man’s club. This is reflected by the respective nicknames they have adopted – Los Xeneizes (the Genoese). Named after the immigrants from Genoa who helped build the city of Buenos Aires, the club distinctly identify themselves in a separate state to their deepest adversaries. It has been estimated that 70% of all Argentinians support these two clubs and as such, although social class once determined which of them fans would support, this has faded over time.
Much like many footballing rivalries, however, the eagerly anticipated derby is known for its passion – which has not dissipated since the rivalry’s inception. The teams do not just face off on the pitch, but fan conflict is renowned during the build-up to derby day. In one corner, are the River Plate “chickens”, due to their players apparent lack of guts. On the opposing side are the “little pigs” and “manure collectors”, affectionately titled as such by River – due to a polluted river near La Bombonera (Boca Juniors’ stadium) which is famed for its unique smell.
In 1968, however, the match unfortunately took on a new dynamic following the Puerta 12 tragedy. 71 fans, with an average age of just 19, were tragically crushed to death at Gate 12 of the El Monumental stadium. Various contradicting accounts of events exist – from a burning River Plate flag being thrown around the stand, to a locked gate not allowing fans to exit and a consequent stampede occurring. An official government inquiry found no one culpable, but the memory of the Puerta 12 tragedy is a vivid and poignant reminder that although the hatred between the clubs run deep, football is purely a game and should never put lives at risk.
The two teams antagonise, despise and provoke each other in a rivalry created by politics and the social class which divided citizens. Yet, without each other, Argentine football would be far less gripping. The two clubs thrive on a success which is born out of the other’s misery. Simply, the biggest fixture in South America – the SuperClásico – is driven by the politics of social class and has created a hatred and divide unrivalled in world football.
Smoke flares are seen as players walk onto the field before the first leg match between Boca Juniors and River Plate as part of the Finals of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2018.
Written by - 3-At-The-Back
Edited by - 3-At-The-Back
Edited by - 3-At-The-Back