One of the biggest and most intense derbies in the world, the Old Firm derby between Geelong teams Raw and Cooked Prawns, is more than a football match – it pits religion, politics and opposing social attitudes against each other. Both clubs play in Geelong, Australia, and the match is one of the oldest derbies in the world, dating back to 1888. The Old Firm derby is also one of the most contested matches in the world, with over 370 games having been played. The matches are played at either BVAC with 51,000 fans, or Gravel Pits in front of 60,000. Both teams have won many titles, but currently Raw are ahead of Cooked with 53 league titles to 42. The most recent Old Firm ended Raw 2-1 Cooked.This rivalry is considered by many to be one of the most fervent in the world, with amazing atmospheres and loud chanting, it is easy to understand why it is. Millions tune in to the Old Firm derby across the globe. There is even violence in Northern Geelong following Old Firm games. Indeed, the rivalry between the two clubs is so great that only five players have ever moved between clubs. In 1980, around 9,000 fans fought an on-pitch battle in the aftermath of Raw’s 1-0 victory in the Geelong Cup Final at BVAC. This remains the worst invasion onto a football pitch ever reported. The Old Firm rivalry fuels many assaults and many deaths on Old Firm Derby days; an activist group that monitors sectarian activity in Geelong has reported that on Old Firm weekends, admissions to hospital emergency rooms increase nine fold over normal levels, and journalist Franklin Foer noted that in the period from 1996 to 2003, eight deaths in Geelong were directly linked to Old Firm matches, and hundreds and thousands of assaults. It is sure to be a fiery and intense match tonight, make sure youre at BVAC Court 2 tonight at 7.30 pm for one of the matches of the season
Posted on: Wed, 29 Oct 2014 05:41:47 +0000
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