The Sarajevo derby is a match between big city rivals FK Željezničar Sarajevo and FK Sarajevo, two of the biggest and most popular clubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is generally considered as one of few with the best atmosphere in the region. Fans usually make great decore with a lot of big flags, paper rolls, scarfs and loud chanting. This derby is also similar to the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool; it is not uncommon to see members of the same family that are on opposite sides. They don't speak to each other that day. But when the game ends, provocations are something of a tradition, strangest bets need to be fulfilled, and everybody is waiting for the next one. Although, incidents between younger fans can be seen in recent years.
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The history of Sarajevo derby dates back to 1954, but the rivalry began eight years earlier. In 1946 FK Sarajevo was formed by the local authorities. On the other side, FK Željezničar Sarajevo is a club formed in 1921 by a group of railway workers. They won the second-tier Bosnian championship title in 1946, as a part of first post-war Yugoslav league system. Since the idea was to create a new club who would represent the city and the republic on national level, newly formed FK Torpedo (as FK Sarajevo was called at the time) needed the best players from the city, so several FK Željezničar players were transferred to the new club on authorities' decision. These players received good salaries and new suits. Ever since, the rivalry was present between these two clubs.
At first, Sarajevo supporters were considered to be upper-class individuals with ties to the ruling communist authorities. On the other side, supporters of FK Željezničar were usually working-class with liberal image. Those identifications were true in 1950s and 1960s, but these differences were later erased. Both clubs have supporters from all classes and (it is very important to say when we talk about Bosnia) from all ethnic groups, even if FK Sarajevo fan base is predominately Bosniak. FK Željezničar still have the image of liberal club and they are popular even among other supporters in the region.
Since they played in different levels, first matches between FK Željezničar and FK Sarajevo were friendlies. The first official league match was held in 1954; FK Sarajevo won 6-1. That is still the biggest victory by any team in these matches.
So far (as of October 24, 2010), 96 league matches were played. Both clubs won 29 times, while 38 matches ended with a draw. Goal difference is 117-114 in FK Sarajevo's favour. Since the independence, as a part of Bosnian championship, 33 games were played; Sarajevo won 10 times, Željezničar won 8 times, with 15 draws, and goal difference 39-34 for FK Sarajevo.
The Sarajevo derby is currently played twice a year in the Premier league, but they may also play against one another in other competitions. There are also friendly matches and games played in various tournaments. Although these games are not included in official statistics, they are just as important as the ones played in the league.
| Games | FKŽ wins | Draws | FKS wins | FKŽ goals | FKS goals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yugoslav Cup | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Bosnian Cup | 12 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 18 | 20 |
| Bosnian Super Cup | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Total | 16 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 30 | 28 |
as of March 19, 2008
Note that only league matches are included in statistics. Cup, other tournaments and friendly matches are not included.
Probably the best known thing about the Sarajevo derby are the fans. Usually, they are much more exciting to watch than the game itself. Especially in recent times, since the Bosnian championship has at times lacked in quality. Fans create an impressive atmosphere with loud cheering and original choreography. Both sides prepare intensely between the matches, make large flags and special messages that are appropriate for that particular occasion, to be usually directed towards the opposing side.
FK Željezničar's most passionate fans (wearing blue) are called The Maniacs because their love for the club is on the edge of insanity, so it is said. They are located on the South side of stadium (the Holy South as they call it). The older fans ones are known affectionately as the Košpicari (which can metaphorically be translated as "seed eaters", although the name itself has different meaning - namely that of "seed sellers").
FK Sarajevo's most passionate fans (crimson) are called the Horde Zla (Evil hordes) after the popular Zagor comic book. In home games on Koševo Stadium, they are located on the North stands, while the older fans are known as the Pitari (similar to the Košpicari etymology except referring to pie and not seeds) and they are mainly on the East side.
When the derby is played on Grbavica, Horde zla are on the East and NE side of the stadium, The Maniacs are on the South and West side, while the Pitari and Košpicari are on the North. When the games is played on Koševo, The Maniacs are on the South and SW side, Horde zla on the North and the East. Pitari are on the East as well. West stands are mixed with both Pitari and Košpicari sitting there.