Derby - A sporting contest between rivals from the same district

Local Derby - A sporting contest between rivals from the same district

Rivalries run deep and the passion is palpable during local derbies.

Traditionally, the word “derby” is a term often used in English Football to refer to a match between two teams from the same geographical area. In the modern context, it has been applied to matches that take place outside England as well.

There's a lot at stake for both sides, for the opposing teams, as well as the fans.

The origin of Derbies.

The world Derby, about football, has a fascinating, but inconsistent history.

One source says that the etymology of the term dates back to 12th century England, while another one attributes its inception to the 18th century. This time was before the FA or the Laws of the Game when football wasn't an organized sport. Matches took place between different rival towns, on which several men participated, and things would often get violent. Each side was hellbent on winning.

It is said that most of the essential local matches took place in Ashbourne, Derbyshire on Shrove Tuesday, and the term, “local derby” stuck. The theory correlates it to a particular game that allegedly drew thousands of participants took place annually - The Royal Shrovetide Football Match, an event that still takes place today, albeit without the chaos and disarray.

Another theory posits that the name comes from a horse race that took place in the 1700s, that was known as The Derby, as the 12th Earl of Derby founded it. These horse races attracted throngs of ardent fans, as did these local matches, as people did not have to travel large distances to attend. The phrase was then used to refer to any important sporting event that involved teams of close geographical proximity, that usually drew in a broad audience.

What are some of the most well-known Derbies?

The Merseyside Derby

The Merseyside Derby alludes to matches between Liverpool and Everton and is one of the longest-running derbies in England. Their home grounds - Angie's and Goodison Park, are a stone's throw away from each other separated from by Stanley Park, which was owned by the Earl of Derby. Initially, what began as causal, friendly matches soon grew into a full-blown rivalry due to the Premier League.

The Manchester Derby

Another big one in English football, this one is the name given to Premier League giants - Manchester United and Manchester City. This rivalry too has a rich history and has been alive since 1881, when United, back then known as Newton Heath played against City, which was West Gordon. They were the best teams in the area, and drew, and still draw masses that ardently support their side.

Derby della Madonnina

One of the biggest rivalries in Italian football, it is played between Inter Milan and AC Milan. The name Madonnia comes from a statue of the Virgin Mary, that can be found on top of the Milan Cathedral. Unlike other derbies, these clubs share a home ground - The Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, or San Siro. When the rivalry began, Inter was said to represent the Bourgeoisie, while AC Milan stood for the Proletariat. Although less politicized now, the match is still of utmost importance to Italian fans.

El Derbi Madrileño

El Derbi Madrileño or the Madrid Derby is another essential fixture that involves Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. Matches between the two have been taking place since the early 1900s. The teams were often associated with different political sides, which further fuelled the rift. Out of the two, Real Madrid has come out at the top majority of the time, but not without Atletico putting on a worthy fight.

Derbies are so important because, despite coming from the same area, in most cases, the rivalry between the teams have existed for years with betting markets established because of it. Most of these matches and the clubs associated with them have a rich history that goes much deeper than just football.

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