World's most intense football derbies

Ajax vs Feyenoord

Now we have a look at the most important fixture of Dutch football – Ajax against Feyenoord. This everlasting feud between these two clubs can be also seen as a rivalry between two of the greatest Dutch cities – Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Rotterdam, known for being home to the cheap laborer, is home to Feyenoord, club of the people and Ajax being the club of rich and is seen as the city for the vacationer. Despite being only 60 odd kilometers apart from each other, the two cities have contrasting cultures. Rotterdammers have always considered the Amsterdammers as cocky and lazy, while Amsterdammers treat their rivals no less than first rate vermin. Violence has often marred the games between two clubs and in 1997 an Ajax fan, Carlo Picorni, was beaten to death with steel rods in a pre-arranged fight. To prevent such an atrocity again, heavy presence of riot police is a must on derby day. And from February 2009, visiting team fans have been barred from watching away games for 5 seasons, to curb the riots. With both teams showing unadulterated hate for anything 60 kilometers away from home, it truly is De Klassieker.