Hi there my Steemit friends and followers!
I know that probably only football (soccer) fans can find this post interesting but tomorrow, my hometown will be hosting what is widely regarded the most heated and emotional football derby of our country and I simply could not leave it unnoticed on my blog :)
So what rivalry am I talking about here? Well, if you think the one between Sparta Prague and Slavia Prague, you are actually wrong. Sure, these matches, known as The Great Prague Derbies, usually get the most media coverage because Sparta and Slavia are the most famous and successful Czech football teams and they have fans all over the country but when it comes to the intensity of rivalry, there is one that is unparalleled in the Czech Republic and that is The Great Silesian Derby between Slezsky FC Opava and Banik Ostrava.
Fans of SFC Opava during the final of the Czech football cup in Olomouc. Image source: lidovky.cz
The cities of Opava and Ostrava are located very close to the Czech-Polish borders, just some 30 km apart, and both of the teams have their Polish allies - fans of SFC Opava are allied with supporters of the Polish team Slask Wroclaw while Banik Ostrava have their friendship with GKS Katowice.
Fans of Banik Ostrava during their match against Sparta in Prague. Image source: chachari.cz
The football rivalry between Opava and Ostrava has been escalating significantly over the years and it can now be seen everywhere - on the pitch among the players, at the stadium where the belligerent crowds offend each other through chanting and choreography and even in the streets where many fights and brawls usually occur before and after the match.
Unsurprisingly, the upcoming derby between Opava and Ostrava has been completely sold out for a long time already and I am really glad I managed to get my ticket so I will be there! While I love the emotions and the frenetic atmosphere of the derby, I hope the violence will keep off the stadium so that everyone, even families with small kids, can enjoy this hotly anticipated match. Another thing I hope for is that we will win the game of course :) So let´s go Opava!!!
How about you, my Steemit fellows? Is there a major sport rivalry in your town? Or have you ever attended some of the world´s most renowned derbies such as those between Boca Juniors and River Plate, Celtic and Rangers, Inter Milan and AC Milan etc? Let me know in the comments below!
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