Unexpected Football Rivalries | FourFourTwo
In football, it appears that almost anything can spark animosity between clubs, with every rivalry having its inception.
This list showcases some of the more peculiar disputes within the sport, which might not make much sense initially.
We aim to explore the origins of these rivalries, which range from tactical delays at kick-off to protests involving sitting on red carpets…
Celtic vs Hamburg
Celtic’s main rivals are naturally Rangers; however, their fans’ animosity toward Hamburg can be traced back to the Old Firm derby.
Before a 2009 Europa League match in Germany, Hamburg fans displayed a massive Union Jack tifo along with the loyalist slogan ‘No Surrender,’ inciting anger among Celtic supporters, who have traditionally aligned with Irish republicanism, contrasting the pro-British sentiments of Rangers fans.
Australia vs Uruguay
Australia and Uruguay might be separated by nearly 10,000 miles, but the distance hasn’t lessened the fierce rivalry on the football pitch.
The tension originated in 1974 during a series of pre-World Cup friendlies which turned violent, leading to Australian forward Ray Baartz suffering a stroke following an assault from Uruguay’s Luis Garisto.
Since then, the two countries have faced each other in multiple World Cup qualifying playoffs, with the Socceroos winning dramatically on penalties in 2006.
Leeds v Millwall
The rivalry between Leeds and Millwall intensified significantly during the 2007/08 season when both teams were in League One, leading to clashes between fans and law enforcement at Elland Road.
Since then, matches have been heavily policed, heightened by the presence of two of England’s most notorious hooligan groups: the Leeds United Service Crew and the Millwall Bushwackers.
Brighton vs Crystal Palace
Brighton and Crystal Palace partake in the so-called M23 derby (a name neither fanbase particularly endorses).
The tensions began in the 70s as the Seagulls and Eagles faced off more frequently in league competitions, with the flashpoint occurring after a 1976 FA Cup replay. Following Brighton’s 1-0 defeat, manager Alan Mullery allegedly threw coins towards the Palace supporters and commented, ‘That’s all Crystal Palace are worth!’
Interestingly, Mullery later managed Palace.
Coventry vs Sunderland
Jimmy Hill, a prominent figure in football, played a significant role in igniting the rivalry between Coventry City and Sunderland.
On the last day of the 1976/77 season, both teams were fighting against relegation. To give his Sky Blues an advantage, Hill, acting as managing director, delayed kick-off against Bristol City by 15 minutes, citing crowd congestion.
Upon learning of Sunderland’s 2-0 defeat to Everton, he ensured that the news was displayed on the big screen at Highfield Road, allowing Coventry to secure a 2-2 draw against Bristol City, which kept both teams in the top flight, but relegated Sunderland.
Perth Glory vs Wellington Phoenix
There are more than 3,000 miles separating Perth, located on Australia’s west coast, and Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, but the clashes between their football teams can be fierce, creating what is known as the Distance Derby.
Despite being located in different countries, Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix regularly face off in the predominantly Australian A-League.
Gillingham vs Swindon
While Swindon Town’s primary rivals are Oxford United, there remains a notable level of animosity with Gillingham, despite the Gills being over 100 miles away to the east.
But how did this rivalry emerge? During a 1979 clash in the old Third Division, Gillingham was leading 2-0 when Danny Westwood, a goal scorer, received a red card for foul language after being fouled without punishment. In retaliation, a Gills supporter invaded the pitch and assaulted the referee—leading to Swindon coming back to draw 2-2.
The reverse fixture two months later ended with a brawl in the tunnel, resulting in two Gillingham players appearing in court!
Colchester vs Wycombe
Colchester United and Wycombe Wanderers only faced each other for the first time in 1985, but a fierce rivalry developed rapidly between the two clubs.
The initial match occurred in the FA Cup, with Wycombe—then in the Conference—pulling off a surprise victory by defeating Fourth Division Colchester 2-0.
The rivalry escalated in the early 90s as the teams battled for promotion to the Football League—Colchester narrowly winning the Conference title in 1992, with Wycombe joining them in the third tier as champions the following year.
Argentina vs England
The historic rivalry between Argentina and England traces back to the quarter-finals of the 1966 World Cup, which England won, and has flared up at various tournaments since.
After being sent off for ‘violent conduct,’ Argentine captain Antonio Rattin rebuffed attempts to leave the Wembley pitch, necessitating police intervention. He further expressed his displeasure by sitting on the Queen’s red carpet reserved for her presence.
Two decades later, during another quarter-final, just after tensions had heightened due to the 1982 Falklands War, the rivalry was reignited with Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal. In 1998, as England succumbed to Argentina once more, David Beckham was shown red for a kick at Diego Simeone, only to achieve redemption by netting the winner from the penalty spot in 2002.
LA Galaxy vs North Carolina FC
In MLS, where relegation is non-existent, leading American teams seldom meet lesser-league opponents, with the exception of the US Open Cup.
However, in both 2012 and 2013, the multiple MLS champions LA Galaxy were eliminated by second-tier North Carolina FC (previously known as the Carolina Railhawks)—so when they were drawn together again in 2014, the Galaxy were desperate for victory.
Star player Landon Donovan stated they were “sick of losing to Carolina”—and what followed? The underdogs triumphed once more.
Hansa Rostock vs St. Pauli
Although Hansa Rostock and St. Pauli have rarely faced off in the upper echelons of German football, their rivalry is not borne out of locality, as Rostock and Hamburg are over 150 miles apart.
The fierce atmosphere surrounding fixtures between these clubs stems from Rostock’s historical ties to far-right politics, juxtaposed against St. Pauli’s reputation as one of the most left-wing clubs globally.
Bolton vs Tranmere
Since the Third Division play-off final in 1991, supporters of Bolton Wanderers and Tranmere Rovers have harbored a mutual disdain.
While Chris Malkin’s goal secured victory for Tranmere at Wembley, it was the celebrations in front of the Bolton bench that fueled lingering hostilities.
Tranmere again bested Bolton in their 2000 League Cup semi-final clash…
Iran vs South Korea
Situated on opposite sides of the world’s largest continent, Iran and South Korea have faced off repeatedly at the Asian Cup, including the final of 1972, where Iran emerged victorious 2-1, as well as five consecutive quarter-finals between 1996 and 2011.
The fierce nature of their contests illustrates that geographical challenges cannot hinder rivalry in football.
Aberdeen vs Rangers
While Aberdeen will never dethrone Celtic as Rangers’ primary adversaries, the animosity towards the Old Firm club is palpable.
This rivalry peaked in the 1980s when Aberdeen became a formidable team under Alex Ferguson, defeating Rangers in consecutive Scottish Cup finals, including a 4-1 drubbing in 1982.
Everton vs Manchester United
Emerged as rivals since the Industrial Revolution, Liverpool and Manchester clash in football through various matchups, with Liverpool vs Manchester United being the most renowned.
However, a strong rivalry has also existed for over fifty years between Everton, the blue half of Merseyside, and Manchester United, marked by significant crowd disturbances during a 2005 FA Cup tie.
Sheffield United vs West Ham
This rivalry is somewhat imbalanced, but Sheffield United’s disdain for West Ham is certainly justifiable.
After the Hammers avoided relegation at Sheffield United’s expense on the last day of the 2006/07 season, the Blades sought a points deduction against the East London club for breaching transfer regulations by signing Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez, the latter being pivotal in their survival.
Although no formal punishment was handed down, Sheffield United did secure £20m in an out-of-court settlement.
