The Holy Derby

The Holy Derby* is the name given to the football rivalry between **FC Sinj, based in the capital city of Sinj, and NK Moravice United, based in Brod Moravice, District X.

It is widely considered the fiercest sporting rivalry in the Divine Republic of Kresimiria. The derby acts as a proxy for the nation’s deep political and ethnic divisions, pitting the Kresimirian, centralist establishment of the capital against the Bosken, regionalist resistance of the south. Matches are classified as “High Risk Events” by the Council for Internal Affairs, requiring a massive police presence and often resulting in civil unrest.

The derby is played in the city of Ravna Skrad, in Ravna Skrad Stadium. The city was chosen as a mid-point between the two cities of Brod Moravice and Sinj.

Despite the hostility, the overall competitive record is remarkably even, fueling the intensity of every encounter.

History and Cultural Significance

FC Sinj: “The Divine Guard”

FC Sinj was founded in 1921, the same year as the Republic. Traditionally supported by the political elite, the military, and the Blue Dawn establishment, the club views itself as the defender of the state. Its colors are Blue and White, and its crest features the Vjetrusa of Kresimir. Fans often chant religious hymns from the Books of Kresimir during matches.

A famous pre-match ritual for FC Sinj “Ultras” involves painting an old KM-4 car in Moravice United’s colors (Red and Black) and smashing it with sledgehammers outside the stadium, a tradition known as “Scrapping the Rust.”

NK Moravice United: “The Rivermen”

NK Moravice United was formed in 1923. For the Bosken population of Moraviskameja, the club is a powerful symbol of identity and resistance against Sinj’s rule. During the decades of the Faith Restriction and the insurgency, the football stadium was one of the few places where large crowds of Boskens could gather legally.

The club is closely linked with the Bosken Liberation Front (BLF). It is common to see banners bearing the likenesses of Lev Ruka or Nadja Vrasch in the away stands, despite such political displays being technically banned by the Kresimirian Football Association.

Notable Incidents and Violence

The history of the Holy Derby is punctuated by violence, cancellations, and political interventions.

• 1924 Cancellation: The scheduled winter derby was cancelled following the assassination of Senator Ivana Simuna. The Kresimirian government banned all public gatherings in District X, fearing the match would spark an uprising.
• The “Ghost Train” Derby (1947): The match was cancelled after BRC-21 operatives sabotaged the railway line in the 1947 Brod Moravice Train Sabotage. Thousands of FC Sinj fans were stranded, and the match was played in a half-empty stadium to an eerie silence.
• The “Peace Match” (1961): Following the signing of the Treaty of Brod Moravice, a friendly match was organized between the two sides to celebrate the ceasefire. Leon Rukavin and Nadja Vrasch shook hands on the pitch. However, hardline fans from both sides booed the gesture, and fights broke out in the stands.
• The Tear Gas Final (1988): During the Vjetrusa Cup Final, a riot broke out after a controversial penalty was awarded to FC Sinj in the 90th minute. Fans of NK Moravice stormed the pitch, leading the Civil Order Force to deploy tear gas. The match was abandoned, and the trophy was withheld for that year.
• The 2014 “Black Armband” Controversy: Following the death of Blue Dawn leader Ljubo Sanjakorin, the league mandated a minute of silence. NK Moravice United players wore black armbands but refused to bow their heads, standing with arms crossed in protest of Sanjakorin’s policies against their region. This led to a brawl between players in the tunnel at halftime.

Match History

The two clubs meet at least twice a year in the Republic League. Additional matches often occur in the Vjetrusa Cup or, more rarely, in state-organized “Unity Friendlies” designed to lower tensions.