Expert Football > World Football > Soccer History > The Modern Game > Rivalries
Some of the most obscure clubs names in European football have devoted supporters who uphold intense and long-lasting rivalries. These matches, known as derbies, often act as epicenters of football hooliganism.
AS Roma vs Lazio
In 1977, smaller groups of Roma fans assembled in what became known as CUCS (Commando Ultra Curva Sud.) By the 1999/2000 season, CUCS segmented and evolved into Roma Ultras. Lazio's organized supporters, Commandos Monteverde Lazio came about in 1971. By 1987 they united with another group, from which emerged the Irriducibili. Since 1992, the Irriducibili have been the most prominent Lazio supporter group. Generally, Roma Ultras represent the left wing middle class from the center of the city. In contrast, the Irriducibili are rich, right wing suburban residents. Both Lazio and AS Roma share the same home venue, Stadio Olimpico. It serves as a tremendous stage for the inter-city battle.
Manchester City vs Manchester United
City and United have preserved one of the oldest rivalries in European football. Both clubs were founded in the late 19th century. Even although United has been more prevalent, entertaining matches often happen when the two teams meet. The 1993 encounter between City and United at Maine Road is considered one of the greatest EPL games of the 90s. United won the battle 2-3 thanks to two goals by Cantona and a late tiebreaker by Keane.
The Stretford End at Old Trafford is the place for diehard K-Stand United fans.Manchester City also has its zealous fan base.Throughout the 2001/2002 season, 106 City fans were arrests (third largest number in all of England).Apart from their dedication, violence rarely brakes amongst English supporters at the stadium. Most hooligan incidents mostly occur at bars and other gatherings outside of the stadium.
AC Milan vs Internazionale
Both AC Milan and FC Internazionale play their matches at San Siro Stadium. The Curva Sud is home of the Rossoneri and the Curva Nord belongs to the Nerazzurri. Both clubs have had success in the Calcio as well as European competition. Milan enjoys an edge over Inter, especially from recent years.
Partizan vs Red Star
Serbian fans were highly influenced by the Italian Ultras although they incorporate local cultural elements. In Belgrade, present-day Serbia, exists an intense rivalry between Partizan and Red Star. Red Star has been more pronounced internationally as the 1991 European and World club champion. The Grobari (Undertakers) and Delije supporters get into severe conflicts. Many of these happen at the stadium and may feature anything from mob fights in the stands to riots on the actual pitch.
Levski vs CSKA
Bulgaria's capital Sofia houses the country's two top clubs: PFC Levski 1914 and CSKA. Levski, the older of the two, possesses the bigger fan base whereas CSKA has won more championship titles. Whenever the two clubs meet, serious security measures are enforced. During one of their encounters, 1/7th of the nation's military was summoned to restrain potential violence. Authorities have been especially cautious since 2001 when a bomb incident produced fatal results.