The Union Bears of Rangers present a simple but effective design that encompasses many highlights of the Glasgow skyline.
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The Sherry Derby
This weekend would have marked the beginning of the Feria de Jerez; the annual celebration of the various traditions that collectively define the intoxicating Flamenco culture of Spain’s south. Horsemanship, Sevillana dancing, delicate guitar playing, melancholy singing and – of course – sherry are all consumed in abundance by locals eager to revel in the cultural vibrancy of their ville. Coincidentally, today marks two months since the FBTG team last attended a Football game, which happened to be the biggest game of the 2019/2020 season played in Jerez de la Frontera. Though it may seem Continue reading
The Kozakken Boys
It isn’t often the FBTG boys wake up on a Saturday morning in the Netherlands. But when we do, we are seldom in a state to drive.
On our first Football-culture trip to the Netherlands, stadium tours in Alkmaar and Amsterdam were pleasant, but ultimately outdone by a rain-soaked yet brilliant Friday evening contest between SC Telstar and FC Twente and the Rabobank IJmond Stadion in IJmuiden. Mercifully Continue reading
Ultras Aufkleber of the Week – Persija Jakarta
Seen in Bali, as you can probably guess. Persija Jakarta is one of Indonesia’s big clubs.
Football fans often don’t travel on away days in Indonesia, partly thanks to the complex geography and partly due to restrictions and bans. However, for various reasons, playing away against Bali United FC is often a season highlight for many Indonesian fan groups.
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10 Great Half-Time Reads
As usual, one of the first things I did when I woke up this afternoon was to scroll through my social media feeds. “Happy World Book Day!“. I normally take literal interest in such egregiously lame attempts to celebrate something for the sake of it, but, for some reason, I decided to consult your favourite search engine to check.
The search results were inconclusive. As far as I can tell, World Book Day falls either on the 5th of March or the 23rd of April, or possibly on both. Now, it is sad enough that the average person reads as seldom as they do. But devaluing such a pleasurable and rewarding act by lumping it in with these international days of “empowerment” twice really pissed us off.
Let’s fucking do away with “World Book Day” and encourage each other to Continue reading
Ultras Aufkleber of the Week – Lechia Gdansk
Lechia Gdansk showing off their Baltic links in a wild Viking design.
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Sunnis, Sukarno and Soccer Pt I
A gruff voice boomed across the ground, magnified to ensure absolute clarity. The chatter of noise from the terraces abruptly stopped, all spectators shuffled to their feet. Way down below I was already on mine, but to my left I noticed a handful of young men in one of the media boxes end their conversation and put their smartphones away in haste, before bowing their heads. The exact message of the announcement was lost on me, but I Continue reading
El Frente Bokeron
Studying the name of one of south Spain’s most high-profile Football ultra groups “El Frente Bokeron” gives a great insight into one aspect of Andalusian culture.
Whether on the Football terrace or in the tapas bar, just a short amount of time fraternising with and listening to Spaniards is needed to Continue reading
