Glasgow Celtic, Corinthians, Thai Port, Dynamo Dresden, AEK Athens, PSS Sleman…. you may well disagree with this list, but the sheer strength of character of some professional Football clubs around this fine planet bestows upon them a status and image that transcend the norm.
These are the clubs that consistently entice Continue reading
Many comment on the decline of Serie A as an exhibition of the highest quality Football on the planet in the past two decades, but far fewer seem to correctly observe the fact that the Italian Football culture has been undoubtedly one of the most influential in the 20th century. Fanatics and Ultras from Lombardy to Sicily were the first to incorporate choreographies and tifos into the typical game day on a large scale, and this Continue reading
Have you ever seen a more beautiful location for a 5-a-side pitch?
The sports facility itself may not Continue reading
There once was a time when most European nations were governed by monarchies. Royal families (often related to one other) wielding almost limitless political power maintained the status quo by offering virtually zero social mobility to their peasant subjects. Revolutions in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries transformed the political landscape on the continent that was the first to industrialise and subsequently colonise the rest of the world. Only a small handful of European nations in the 21st century hold on to their Royal Families, and one Continue reading
For Part 2 of the Chinese Football Chronicles, click here.
An immediate observation made at Chinese Football games is the consistent employment of a Capo figure in blocks of fans and Ultras within the stadium. At all Chinese Super League matches I’ve attended in the People’s Republic, a Capo has been present at every single one.
If you are unfamiliar Continue reading
Celtic FC, the “Rebel’s Choice”, has emerged as one of Britain’s most internationally popular Football clubs in recent years thanks entirely to its proactive and colourful fan culture. Celtic’s association with punk club FC Sankt Pauli and frequent displays of pro-Palestinian flags during Continue reading
We don’t think of Germany as a country that blooms culture. But the Bundesrepublik is home to its fair share of enigmatic and fascinating Football clubs, none being more mysterious or romantic than 1. FC Union Berlin. 3 key institutions combine to endow this club with its very idiosyncratic, and consequently celebrated, character; its Continue reading
Many Football club names across Eurasia feature the moniker “Dynamo” or an alternative spelling thereof. These clubs share characteristics. Normally located in the respective country’s capital, their logos feature a common attractive “D” design and are usually among the most successful in each respective national league. SG Dynamo Dresden and BFC Dynamo of Germany are both exceptions, but we will return to them later.
These common characteristics are not accidental Continue reading
From Boothferry To Germany 