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 Ingerland 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 emerge 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
From the moment of their founding, Red Star swiftly rose to prominence, clinching their inaugural league title in 1926. In contrast, Imperials had already solidified their standing in New Ingerland football, boasting a history dating back to 1882.
The interruption caused by the Great War did little to quell the rivalry between the two clubs. If anything, passions between them soared in the 1950s and 1960s as they contended for dominance in the newly formed Metropolitan Premier League. Their matches were often characterised by high stakes, robust play, and fervent support from their respective fan bases.
One of the most memorable encounters took place in 1967, when Red Star and Imperials clashed in the final of the Amateur Cup. Red Star emerged victorious after a hard-fought contest, with tensions between the clubs escalating both on and off the field.
Turbulent times
The emergence of club ultras in the 1970s and 1980s added a new layer to the rivalry between Red Star and Imperials. The Red Star ultras, known as the "Kingsbury Reds," were distinguished by their left-wing leanings and unwavering support for the club. Conversely, the Imperials ultras, known as the "Iron Guard," were primarily right-wing and drew support from the more conservative elements of Kingsbury's populace.
This ideological divide often led to clashes, with confrontations between the Kingsbury Reds and the Iron Guard becoming increasingly frequent in the 1980s. In a particularly violent incident in 1983, several fans were hospitalised following a confrontation outside the stadium after a match between Red Star and Imperials. Both clubs were fined £1,000 each, and many participants received lifetime bans. It wasn't until the early 1990s that the violence began to subside, as league authorities cracked down on the most egregious aspects of Ultra culture, ultimately quelling the heightened tensions.
Despite the challenges and ideological differences that have marked the rivalry between Red Star and Imperials over the years, both clubs have endured and remained integral to amateur football in the capital.
Recent developments
In recent years, both Red Star and Imperials have faced financial difficulties that have threatened their long-term viability. Red Star, in particular, encountered significant challenges, narrowly avoiding bankruptcy in 2014 due to a series of failed financial investments.
Nevertheless, there are signs of hope for both clubs. Red Star has made strides in improving its financial management, while Imperials have benefited from increased investment from affluent backers.
As both clubs look to the future, there is optimism that the intense rivalry between Red Star and Imperials will endure. While the political tensions of the past may have eased somewhat, the passion of their respective fan bases remain as strong as ever.