The Stadin Derby, or The Helsinki Derby, is the name for a Helsinki association football fixture played between HIFK Fotboll and HJK Helsinki. The name of the derby derives from the common slang word nickname for Helsinki, widely used by the locals. Both the teams play at the highest level of football in Finland, in Veikkausliiga. Before 2015, the clubs hadn't faced each other at the highest level since 1972 when HIFK got relegated from the top league, which was then known as Mestaruussarja. The rivalry extends from 1909 when the two teams faced each other for the first time. HJK used to be associated with the Finnish speaking middle-class population at the time, whereas HIFK was known for being a club of the Swedish speaking middle-class population. The language has been the main reason for the rivalry but to date the importance of it has diminished significantly. Before HIFK got relegated from the top league the fixtures had been played at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium, but are nowadays played at the Sonera Stadium. Both clubs play their home fixtures at this particular venue. The two teams clashed for the first time at the top level since 1972 on 23 April 2015. The match was played at a sold out Sonera Stadium and ended in a 1-1 draw.
Supporters
The supporters of both of the teams are known for the rivalry against each other and winning the derby fixtures decides "Stadin herruus" between the clubs. The team which manages to earn more points from Stadin derby fixtures within a single season, are awarded the Stadin herruus-trophy, which was first awarded in the late 1920s. If the points are even, goal difference decides the winner of the trophy. In case the goal differences are same, the winner will be undecided for the season. The most renowned supporter group of HIFK is known as Stadin kingit. The supporters of HJK on the other hand are divided into two separate groups: Forza HJK and Sakilaiset. Stadin kingit and Sakilaiset have caused some controversy due to fights and minor football hooliganism between some members of the two groups. For example, prior to a Europa League fixture on 27 November 2014, some supporters of HJK and FC Copenhagen had a fight with each other. Copenhagen supporters were allegedly accompanied by Stadin kingit, as Stadin kingit share a friendship between Copenhagen supporters. Hooliganism is a relatively small issue in Finland and attending football matches in Finland is safe. According to a 2012 survey, HJK was supported by 25% of all Finnish football supporters and 59% of those living in the Uusimaa region. The HIFK football branch was supported by 7% of all supporters and 12% of those living in Uusimaa. Ultimately both clubs are well supported all over the country as 30% of HJK supporters and 49% of HIFK supporters came outside of the Uusimaa region. However, HIFK's most popular sports section is the ice hockey one.
