Hamburger SV vs FC St. Pauli - Hamburg Derby

 This rivalry is one of the biggest in Germany despite both historic teams being situated in Germany's second division. The derby between Hamburger SV or HSV vs FC St. Pauli is rooted in the city Hamburg with HSV being one of the city's and countries oldest and most established clubs, while FC St. Pauli is more known for its alternative and rebellious identify. HSV is associated with tradition, professionalism and a larger fan base, historically represents the more affluent parts of the city. St. Pauli, on the other hand, is known for its countercultural and left wing values, with their supporters, lead by their 'ultras' group adopting the 'Antifa' image representing a strong opposition to fascism. The rivalry has only in recent years become much more prominent as typically HSV have always played in the top tier of German football, having been the only side to have never been relegated from the German 1st division until their eventual relegation in 2017. 

Furthermore on the social and political overtones between the clubs, St. Pauli, anti-establishment and socially progressive values often contrast with HSV's more mainstream image. St. Pauli fans are involved in various social and political activism from LGBTQ+ rights to refugee support to as mentioned displaying antifa symbols, flags and slogans at games. Where HSV differ is that although their fanbase has a range of political views, they sit centrally politically and their fan culture doesn't deem the activism that st Pauli fans pose as any importance.

The rivalry itself influences the lives and identities of residents in Hamburg, shaping neighbourhoods, businesses and local culture. the matches between HSV and St. Pauli are marked by a passionate and sometimes hostile atmosphere. Fan rivalries can lead to clashes and violence, and security measures are usually heightened during these games. Overall, it is an immensely important derby to Germany and deserves to be amongst the most well known Derbys in Europe. For the last blog we are off to Greece.





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Red Star Belgrade vs Partizan Belgrade - 'The Eternal Derby'

Image
 This derby between the two greats of Serbian football is fierce, intense and rich in history. The rivalry between Red Star Belgrade and FC Partizan dates back to the early 20th century, rooted in their foundation and affiliations with military factions during the Second World War. Like most of the worlds Derbys, this derby reflects deep cultural and political divides. Red star is associated with Serbian nationalism, whilst Partizan represents a more diverse Yugoslav identity. Red star represents a more traditional, Serbian identity, placing significance on typical Serbian culture and heritage, FC Partizan however, historically has been more inclusive, representing a diverse Yugoslav identity, meaning emphasis on unity amongst various ethnic groups in the former Yugoslavia. With the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the rivalry took on a new dimensions as the war that followed, the sides interlined with the values of those fans of either club just feeling the hatred for one anoth...
Read more

Fenerbahçe vs. Galatasaray - Derby of Istanbul

Image
 This derby, often also called the "Intercontinental derby' is one of the most heated and historic in Turkish and in European football. The derby dates back to when the clubs were founded with Fenerbache being established in 1907, and Galatasaray in 1905. Similar to my previous blog post, this rivalry goes beyond sport, reflecting cultural and societal divisions in Turkish society. Fenerbache as a club and its supporters, more interline with the Asian side of Istanbul and represent a more traditional, local identity, whilst Galatasaray are more interlined with the European size having an outlook of westernisation. How each club identities resonate with differing views in Turkey's national identity are further impacted by government and political influence. Turkish governments have historically sought to harness the passion of each set of clubs supporters for political purposes such as attempting to use football as a means of promoting certain ideologies and agendas which n...
Read more