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Russian channel screens excellent Old Firm documentary including Belfast divide

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Image for Russian channel screens excellent Old Firm documentary including Belfast divide

A Russian YouTube channel has produced an engrossing three-part film on the Old Firm divide.

Yes, as with many football derbies and cities around the world, this is not new ground but on this occasion, it is recommended viewing.

What sets it apart is the depth, context, understanding and detail that is contained in the film.

In particular, the second episode is dedicated to the Old Firm divide in Belfast and how the political, religious and cultural ties bind the people and their way of life to their kin in Glasgow and the representation of that in the form of football rivalry between Rangers and Celtic.

Filmed over several days in Glasgow and Belfast, the 4D – Sharp Football channel features this mini-series on their long running Planet Football feature, which has previously taken in other contests and locations from other derbies around Europe.

They arrived in the UK in December 2019, taking in a couple of games leading up to Rangers 1-2 win at Parkhead at the turn of the year.

With the onset of the pandemic that followed soon after, the trio of programmes has just been released, in full, over the last week.

Pride and passion

From a Rangers perspective, the production team meet up with some passionate fans, active within the fan scene as well as others, featuring locations such as the Bristol Bar and on matchday at Ibrox.

There is also some content from myself, as part of filming captured on the Shankill Road in the working class Unionist/Loyalist stronghold in Belfast.

Similar footage and inteviews take place with Celtic fans offering insight, opinion and representation on all matters of the rivalry.

A refreshing aspect of this Russian production is that is takes things as they are found, without prejudice or inferred narrative.

An understanding and perspective of relevant social history is included as well as archive footage and other related content.

If you are into all things, football, culture and politics, this will be right up your street.

The team at 4D are to be commended for getting under the skin of the Old Firm derby and what the clubs mean to the people and their identities.

With interest, curiousity, respect and critique, they have captured the essence of what makes Glasgow the football city that it is.

The three part film is available on the 4D YouTube Channel, as below:

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