Kingsbury derby
| Location | Kingsbury, CENT |
|---|---|
| First meeting | 1917 |
| Trophy | Lord Mayor's Shield |
| Statistics | |
| Meetings total | 204 |
| All-time record |
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| Largest victory |
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The rivalry between Red Star and Imperials is one of the most intense and long-standing in New Ingrean football history. The origins of the rivalry date back to the 1910s, when Red Star was founded by power station workers at the Kingsbury Power Station. The club soon emerged to challenge the hegemony of Imperials, a club with a long and proud history that drew their support from the middle and upper-class elites of Kingsbury's western suburbs.
History
Early years
Drawing from the physically rugged workforce in the Kingsbury Power Station, Red Star quickly ascended in prominence after its founding, and succeeded in securing its first league championship in 1926. In contrast, Imperials Football Club had already established itself as a dominant force in New Ingrean football, with a legacy dating back to 1882. The class distinctions, coupled with a number of close matches ensured that the clubs would swiftly develop a fierce rivalry.
The interruption of competitive football due to the Great War did not nothing to temper the rivalry. In fact, the intensity between the two clubs heightened during the 1950s and 1960s as they vied for supremacy in the newly established Metropolitan Premier League. Their encounters were marked by fiercely physical play, cheered on by fervent fan support from both sides.
A particularly notable confrontation occurred in 1967, when the two faced off in the final of the Amateur Cup. After a fiercely contested match, Red Star claimed victory after the siren as a result of a particularly controversial ruling from the umpire handed them a free kick in front of goal, further inflaming tensions between the two clubs both on and off the field.
Turbulent times
The rise of organised supporter groups, or "ultras," in the 1970s and 1980s added another layer of intensity to the derby. The Red Star ultras, known as the "Kingsbury Reds," were distinguished by their left-wing political affiliations and inflammatory chants and songs. In contrast, the Royals ultras, called the "Iron Guard," were predominantly right-wing and drew their backing from more conservative segments of Kingsbury society.
This ideological divide often spilled over into violence, with clashes between the Kingsbury Reds and the Iron Guard becoming more frequent during the 1980s. A particularly severe incident occurred in 1983, when multiple fans were hospitalised following a brawl outside the stadium after a match at Prospect Oval. As a result, both clubs were fined £1,000, and numerous individuals received lifetime bans. It was not until the early 1990s that violence began to diminish, as league authorities imposed stricter penalties and curtailed the most extreme aspects of ultra culture.
Despite the ideological rift and the violent confrontations, both Red Star and Imperials continued to play pivotal roles in the development of amateur football in the capital. Development academies were formed by both clubs, nurturing local talent and providing a pathway for talented players to advance through the amateurs and on to top-flight football. Imperials formed a partnership with Kingsbury FC in 1988, and Red Star followed with a similar partnership with Hillsborough in 1991.
Recent developments
In recent years, both clubs have faced significant financial challenges, threatening their long-term viability. Red Star, in particular, came close to bankruptcy in 2014 following a series of failed financial ventures.
Nevertheless, there are signs of recovery for both clubs. Red Star has made substantial improvements in its financial management, while Imperials have seen increased investment from wealthy backers. A major breakthrough occurred in 2024 when both clubs were promoted to the NIFA National League, where they now compete in the Conference East section.
Statistics
      Red Star
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 Imperials
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