Tehran derby Information & Tehran derby Links at HealthHaven.com

The Tehran derby is a football local derby match that takes place twice a year between the two most popular clubs in Iran: Esteghlal F.C. and Persepolis F.C. This match was declared as the most important derby in Asia and 22nd most important derby in the world in June 2008 by World Soccer magazine.^[1]^[2]^[3] Despite being a derby between two teams from Tehran, the match has been played in other Iranian cities as well.

**derby Sorkhabi**
**(The RedBlue derby)**
Persepolis vs Esteghlal
vs

[edit] History

The first derby match between the teams took place on April 5, 1968, at Amjadieh Stadium, where the game finished as a scoreless draw. At the time, Esteghlal was known as Taj FC. Both clubs were relatively young but Persepolis had a solid fan base, because of its close association to the once popular Shahin club. The rivalry between Shahin and Taj was transferred to its current stage when the Shahin club had to cease operations due to poor relations with the IFF.

Over time, the rivalry became more heated and club fans began attaining collective identities. By the mid-1970s Persepolis was seen as a working class club, while Taj was viewed as a club close to the ruling establishment and supported by the upper class of Iranian society. Persepolis fans outnumbered Esteghlal fans by large numbers at the time and still do.

Because of the sensitive nature of the matches, fan violence has occurred several times. In minor cases fans break chairs or throw garbage at the field, but more notable cases of violence have involved physical fights between opposing teams and fans, storming of the field by fans, as well as significant destruction of public property.

Ever since 1995, federation officials have invited foreign referees to officiate the game to ease fan and player suspicions of referee bias. This occurred after the events of the 38th derby (see below).

Azadi Stadium has been the stadium where most of the matches took place, but Amjadieh Stadium(now Shiroudi) in Tehran, Azadi Stadium in Bandar Abbas and Yadegare Imam Stadium in Tabriz have all hosted the game at least once. This derby is ranked in the top ten derbies in the world.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Results

No.	Date	vs	Esteghlal scorers	Persepolis scorers	Competition	Description
1	1347-01-16	0-0	-	-
2	1347-10-20	0-0	-	-
3	1348-05-13	3-1	A.Monshizadeh 8' A.Jabbari 44' K.Haghverdian 88'	K.Ganjapour 72'
4	1348-11-17	1-0(3-0)	G.Mazloumi(9)	-
5	1349-07-03	3-2	J.Gharrab(73)K.Haghverdian(87)A.Mozhdehi(88)	A.Parvin(7)H.Kalani(23)
6	1349-10-27	1-1(3-0)	A.Mozhdehi(75)	H.Kalani(2)
7	1350-03-28	1-1	G.Mazloumi(30)	S.Iranpak(90+1)
8	1350-11-15	1-4	A.Jabbari(75)	H.Kalani(43,90+3)S.Iranpak(56)M.Khordbin(75)
9	1351-01-03	0-2	-	S.Iranpak(50)H.Kalani(89)
10	1349-07-03	2-0	A.Jabbari(40,87)	-
11	1351-12-11	1-0	R.Adelkhani(3)	-
12	1352-06-16	0-6	-	H.Behzadi(50,86,90+2)I.Soleymani(45,56)H.Kalani(32)
13	1352-09-18	1-1	A.Jabbari(70)	H.Behzadi(46)
14	1353-03-04	1-0	H.Rowhan(88)	-
15	1353-09-27	1-2	G.Mazloumi(60)	S.Iranpak(50)E.Hajrahimipour
16	1354-02-15	3-1	G.Mazloumi(11,62)M.Mozhdehi(47)	S.Iranpak(53)
17	1354-07-25	0-2	-	J.Fattahi(22)E.Hajrahimipour(38)
18	1354-12-27	1-1	M.Mozhdehi(20)	M.Khordbin(85)
19	1355-07-02	1-1	H.Naraghi(26)	A.Parvin(40)
20	1356-02-18	3-0	M.Ashouri(45)H.Rowshan(83)S.Maraghechian(88)	-
21	1356-09-18	1-2	H.Rowshan(85)	S.Iranpak(15,34)
22	1358-08-25	1-0	G.Fathabadi(42)	-	Friendly	Respect of Majid Danayifar
23	1359-04-13	0-0	-	-
24	1360-07-16	0-0	-	-	Tehran Cup
25	1361-10-17	1-1	B.Fariba(87)	G.Fathabadi(10)	Tehran Cup
26	1362-07-15	1-0	P.Mazloumi(59)	-	Tehran Cup
27	1365-03-25	0-3	-	Sr.Bayani(P12,52)Ns.Mohammadkhani(62)	Tehran Cup
28	1366-01-07	0-0	-	-	Tehran Cup
29	1367-06-18	1-1	J.Mokhtarifar(60)	F.Pious(46)	Tehran Cup
30	1367-12-19	0-0(P2-4)	P(J.Mokhtarifar,R.Hasanzadeh)	P(M.Moharrami,R.Yousefi,M.Ashouri,M.Kermanimoghadam)	Hazfi Cup	Quarter Final
31	1368-09-17	0-1	-	R.Abedian(18)	Qods League
32	1369-03-04	2-1	A.Sarkhab(46)S.Marfavi(72)	N.Mirahmadian(12)	Qods League	Final
33	1369-10-28	1-1	Sr.Bayani(P62)	F.Pious(75)	Azadegan Cup
34	1370-11-04	0-0	-	-	Azadegan Cup
35	1370-12-15	2-0	S.Maravi(8)S.Varmazyar(15)	-	Azadegan Cup
36	1371-03-08	1-0	S.Marfavi(48)	-	Azadegan Cup	Semi Final
37	1371-10-11	0-0	-	-	Azadegan Cup
38	1373-10-30	2-2(3-0)	S.Varmazyar(79)E.Akhtar(87)	F.Pious(51)B.Dadashzadeh(56)	Azadegan Cup	Semi Final
39	1373-11-07	0-0	-	-	Azadegan Cup	Semi Final
40	1374-05-06	3-1	E.Akhtar(7)S.Varmazyar(16)M.Taghavi(36)	M.Kermanimoghadam(49)	Azadegan League
41	1374-10-08	0-0	-	-	Azadegan League
42	1375-07-27	0-1	-	E.Bezik(87)	Azadegan League	Bezik Disenchants
43	1376-04-20	0-3	-	E.Bezik(30)M.Mahdavikia(71)B.Taherzadeh(87)	Azadegan League
44	1377-08-22	0-1	-	M.Hasheminasab(45)	Azadegan League
45	1378-01-02	1-1	F.Malekian(43)	M.Hasheminasab(3)	Azadegan League
46	1378-04-20	1-2	S.Bakhtiarizadeh(50)	M.Hasheminasab(P12)M.Peyrovani	Hazfi Cup	Final
47	1999-09-24	0-0	-	-	Azadegan League
48	2000-02-27	0-2	-	M.Hasheminasab(7)P.Rafat(80)	Azadegan League
49	2000-12-29	2-2	M.Navazi(67)M.Hasheminasab(86)	B.Rahbarifard(P57)A.Karimi(89)	Azadegan League
50	2001-02-23	1-0	A.Akbarpour(72)	-	Azadegan League	Akbarpour Disenchants
51	2002-03-19	1-1	M.Navazi(P38)	R.Jabbari(25)	IPL 1st
52	2002-05-09	0-0	-	-	IPL 1st
53	2003-01-10	1-1	A.Samereh(1)	A.Ansarian(P70)	IPL 2nd
54	2003-07-17	1-2	A.Akbarpur(63)	Y.Golmohammadi(11)B.Abolghasempour(50)	IPL 2nd	Abolghasempour Disenchants
55	2003-10-17	2-1	A.Samereh(8)M.Fekri(57)	I.Traore(70)	IPL 3rd
56	2004-02-02	1-1	D.Seyedabbasi(3)	H.Kavianpour(20)	IPL 3rd
57	2004-10-22	0-0	-	-	IPL 4th
58	2005-02-25	3-2	Enayati(53)M.Fekri(87)P.Ghorbani(90+3)	S.Rezaei(67)S.Entezari(84)	IPL 4th
59	2005-11-05	1-0	R.Enayati(56)	-	IPL 5th
60	2006-03-10	0-0	-	-	IPL 5th
61	2006-11-03	1-2	A.Sadeghi 16'	M.Madanchi 22' M.Oladi 71'	IPL 6th	Oladi Disenchants
62	2007-03-30	1-1	A.Alizadeh 43'	A.Nikbakht 13'	IPL 6th
63	2007-10-14	1-1	O.Ravankhah 7'	M.Khalili 84'	IPL 7th
64	2008-04-03	1-1	O.Ravankhah 5'	M.Khalili 28'	IPL 7th
65	2008-10-03	1-1	A.Borhani 47'	A.Karimi 87'	IPL 8th
66	2009-02-13	1-1	M.Jabbari 56'	M.Zare 90+4' (pen.)	IPL 8th
67	2009-10-02	1-1	F.Majidi 55'	A.Kolahkaj 49'	IPL 9th

[edit] Notable derby matches

Persepolis 0 - Taj 3 (February 6, 1970) - The game score was 1-0 in favor of Taj until the 82nd minute when the Persepolis players left the field to protest against the match officials. The football federation later declared Taj the winner by a score of 3-0.

Persepolis 0 - Taj 3 (January 17, 1971) - The game was tied 1-1 until the 75th minute when the Persepolis players left the field to protest against the match officials after several decisions went Esteghlal's way. The football federation later declared Taj the winner by a score of 3-0. This was the second time this occurred in two years.

Persepolis 4 - Taj 1 (November 15, 1972) - This was the first time Persepolis won the derby match and thrashed their rivals with syle and won the match 4-1. Mahmoud Khordbin and Safar Iranpak both scored one goal each and Hossein Kalani bagged the other two goals for Persepolis.

Persepolis 6 - Taj 0 (September 7, 1973) - In a game that is still remembered to this day, Persepolis scored 6 goals to embarrass and thrash their opponents. Homayoun Behzadi scored a hat-trick and the game to this date, is still the highest scoring affair between the two teams.

Esteghlal 1 - Persepolis 0 (October 7, 1983) - Iranian television broadcaster IRIB did not air the match so a large number of fans flocked to Azadi Stadium. An estimated 128,000 entered the 100,000 capacity stadium. So many fans were in attendance that some were forced to climb the metal base of the stadium floodlights. None of the derby matches to this date have had a higher attendance and mostly likely never will as the 2002 renovations of the stadium reduced its capacity.

Esteghlal 0 (2) - Persepolis 0 (4) (February 1989) - This is one of few times the two clubs have met each other in the Hazfi Cup. The match finished scoreless in regulation time, and extra-time was eventless. Persepolis beat Esteghlal 4-2 in penalty shootouts to advance to the next stage in the Hazfi Cup.

Esteghlal 3 - Persepolis 0 (January 11, 1995) - In the 38th derby Persepolis was leading in the match by a score of 2-0 until the last 10 minutes of the match. Esteghlal scored 2 goals in quick succession, including one which was a penalty. This angered the Persepolis fans and players who felt the referee was biased towards Esteghlal. Persepolis fans stormed the field, and many fights broke out on the pitch between fans and players. After this match it was decided that Iranian referees will no longer be used for the derby.

Persepolis 2 - Esteghlal 2 (December 29, 2000) - One of the most exciting and heated matches in derby history. The game was extremely sensitive as Mehdi Hasheminasab had left Persepolis in the off-season for Esteghlal. Behrouz Rahbarifar opened up the scoring in minute 56, while Mohammad Navazi tied the game up at the 67th minute. Many thought the game would be over when Hasheminasab scored a late goal at minute 86, but Ali Karimi saved Persepolis scoring a spectacular goal at minute 89 to please the red fans. During the game Esteghlal's goalkeeper Parviz Broumand and Persepolis striker Payan Rafat were constantly insulting each other. This eventually led to Broumand punching Rafat in the face and giving him a black eye. A massive fight broke out between the players. After the match hooligans went on a rampage. They completely destroyed 250 city buses and damaged many shops. Three players from each side were arrested along with 60 fans for their behavior.

Esteghlal 3 – Persepolis 2 (February 25, 2004) – Another one of the most thrilling matches in derby history. After a scoreless draw at halftime Esteghlal opened the scoreline 53 minutes with a goal from Reza Enayati. Persepolis responded by two goals Sheys Rezaei in the 67th minute and another by Sohrab Entezari in the 84th minute. Persepolis players and fans believe they have earned the win and Esteghlal fans begin to leave the stadium. Shortly after the goal by Entezari Mahmoud Fekri scored an equalizer just 3 minutes later. Esteghlal soon put everything they have into the attack and in the 93rd minute it paid off with a header by Pirouz Ghorbani hitting the back of the Persepolis net.

Persepolis 2 - Esteghlal 1 (November 3, 2006) - One of the most important derby matches for the two teams. Both teams chances of winning the league were very unlikely so the two desperately wanted to win so one would finish above the other. Amir Hossein Sadeghi broked the deadlock with a header in the 16th minute to make it 1-0 to Esteghlal. Six minutes later, Esteghlal goalkeeper Mehdi Rahmati charged out of his goal to clear the ball for a corner to Persepolis. However, he lost his concentration and took a long time to return back to his net resulting into Mehrzad Madanchi curling one in for Persepolis from the corner of the pitch and making the score 1-1 at half-time. The match was very open in the second half and finally in the 71st minute, Mehrdad Oladi broke through and chipped Mehdi Rahmati to win the game for Persepolis 2-1. Later on that season, Persepolis finished 3rd in the league, one place above Esteghlal who finished 4th.

[edit] Statistics and records

As of October 14, 2007, there have been 63 competitive first-class meetings between the two teams since the first league meeting in 1970, of which Esteghlal has won 20 and Persepolis 15. The biggest winning margin and highest scoring match was in the 12th derby when Persepolis beat Taj, 6–0.

Ali Parvin has the record for most appearances playing and managing in the derby, having done so 20 and 22 times respectively for Persepolis. Afshin Peyrovani is second in total appearances as a player, having played 18 matches, while third place is shared by Karo Haghverdian and Ali Jabbari who both made 17 appearances for Taj.

Safar Iranpak has scored the highest number of goals in total for the derby, amassing a total of 7 goals, followed by teammate Hossein Kalani who scored 6. A number of players have scored 5 goals.

[edit] Summary of results

	Apps	Esteghlal wins	Draws	Persepolis wins
League	65	20	31	14
Hazfi Cup (Playoffs)	2	0	0	2
Total	67	20	31	16

P	Team	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts	Qualification or relegation
1	Esteghlal	67	20	31	16	62	66	−4	91
2	Persepolis	67	16	31	20	66	62	+4	79

Updated to games played on 2 October 2009
Source:^{[citation needed]}
Rules for classification: 1st points; 2nd goal difference; 3rd goals scored.
(C) = Champion; (R) = Relegated; (P) = Promoted; (Q) = Qualified to respective phase of tournament; (O) = Play-off winner; (A) = Advances to a further round.

[edit] Goal scorers

7 Goals

Safar Iranpak

6 Goals

Hossein Kalani

5 goals

Ali Jabbari, Gholam Hossein Mazloomi, Mehdi Hasheminasab*1

4 goals

Homayoun Behzadi

3 goals

Hassan Roshan, Sadegh Varmazyar
Farshad Pious, Shahrokh Bayani*2

2 goals

Karo Haghverdian, Abbas Mojdehi, Masoud Mojdehi, Samad Marfavi, Edmond Akhtar, Mohammad Navazi, Alireza Akbarpour, Ali Samereh, Mahmoud Fekri, Reza Enayati, Omidreza Ravankhah

Ali Parvin, Mahmoud Khordbin, Iraj Soleimani, Esmaeil Hajrahimipour, Naser Mohammadkhani, Edmond Bezik, Ali Karimi, Mohsen Khalili, Gholamreza Fathabadi*3

1 goals

Ahmad Monshizadeh, Javad Gharrab, Reza Adelkhani, Hadi Naraghi, Mohsen Ashouri, Saeid Maraghechian, Behtash Fariba, Parviz Mazloumi, Jafar Mokhtarifar, Abbas Sarkhab, Mohammad Taghavi, Fred Malekian, Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh, Davoud Seyed Abbasi, Pirouz Ghorbani, Amir Hossein Sadeghi, Ali Alizadeh, Arash Borhani, Mojtaba Jabari, Farhad Majidi

Nazem Ganjapour, Jahangir Fattahi, Nader Mirahmadian, Behzad Dadashzadeh, Morteza Kermani Moghaddam, Mehdi Mahdavikia, Behnam Taherzadeh, Afshin Peyrovani, Payan Rafat, Behrouz Rahbarifard, Reza Jabbari, Ali Ansarian, Yahya Golmohammadi, Behnam Abolghasempour, Issa Traore, Hamed Kavianpour, Sheys Rezaei, Sohrab Entezari, Mehrzad Madanchi, Mehrdad Oladi, Alireza Vahedi Nikbakht, Maziar Zare, Adel Kolahkaj

*1: 4 goals for Persepolis and 1 goal for Esteghlal
*2: 2 goals for Persepolis and 1 goal for Esteghlal
*3: 1 goal for each teams

[edit] Playing for both teams

Over the years, a number of players have played for both of the heavily supported clubs. Switching sides often angers fans, and players who have done so are heavily booed and mocked in and out of the stadium. When Mehdi Hasheminasab joined Esteghlal, Persepolis fans booed and swore at him so loudly that he covered his face with his hands to hide his tears.

The following players have played for both teams:

[edit] Referees

[edit] IPL referees

Season	Leg 1	Leg 2
2001-02	Pasquale Rodomonti	Paulo Costa
2002-03	Roberto Rosetti	Vladimir Hrinak
2003-04	Paulo Costa	Mustafa Çulcu
2004-05	Florian Meyer	Valentin Valentinovich Ivanov
2005-06	Wolfgang Stark	Saad Kamil Al-Fadhli
2006-07	Alfonso Pérez Burrull	Felix Brych
2007-08	Eduardo Iturralde González	Bernardino González Vázquez
2008-09	Saad Kamil Al-Fadhli	Mohsen Torky