Reasons For The Rivalry
Although it is a traditional local rivalry, it is different in that it also crosses the Wales–England border, increasing somewhat the hostility between the two teams. As well as bragging rights the matches are seen as an "international contest" to prove which country is superior. Both sets of fans use this to taunt each other with patriotic songs as well as offensive props. Bristol City fans often previously brought inflatable sheep to the derby, insinuating that Cardiff fans were "sheep shaggers". Although in recent years the term has been less frequently used by Bristol City fans as Cardiff have readily adopted the name and often use the chants themselves.
Cardiff fans often refer to Bristol City fans as "Wurzels", in reference to TV character Worzel Gummidge and band The Wurzels who both famously spoke with a Westcountry accent.
In the Football Fans census in 2003 about football rivalries, Bristol City and Cardiff were listed as 10th and 13th in the UK respectively in a list of teams.
Read more about this topic: Severnside Derby
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