Punks, Skinheads & Dissidents: A History of Union Berlin

Punks, Skinheads & Dissidents: A brief history of Union Berlin
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Union Berlin’s promotion in May this year caused a global stir, as the Bundesliga prepared to welcome a team from the former East Berlin for the first time.
Immediately, thoughts turned to what would be the Bundesliga’s first Berlin derby. Western neighbours Hertha immediately suggested that the fixture be played on November 9th, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. But Union President Dirk Zingler had no desire to use the occasion as a publicity stunt.
“To be honest, I don’t understand the request,” he said. “For me, it’s a derby - it stands for rivalry, for division. And [it stands for] football-based class conflict in the city.” Berlin’s history makes it a truly unique city, and Union’s makes it a truly unique club.
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#unionberlin #bundesliga #berlin

[@thekksinca824]

Fans save the team literally with their blood and sweat. I love it.

[@Snaily]

Especially nice when you realise that the blood gained from it likely saved at least a few lives.

[@ComradeHellas]

Truly

[@samuelyee4017]

Snaily when the supporters fell short of fund to save their favourite club, they will give everything they have to do so. Despite selling blood is a desperate approach, but that is their last resort

[@chrisklaffi9425]

"with their blood and sweat". Vollopfer.

[@RamesesBolton]

They had to use their blood and sweat to avoid the tears

[@iskender1327]

I love the « Oh shit, we’re going up! »

[@frankhumbug]

İskender, yep. Quality chant. 😂

[@ComradeHellas]

Brilliant

[@TheDominofreak999]

I love the attempt so speak it in German more xD

[@terryhsiao1745]

Love it too !! Such German humor hahahaha

[@chrisadlc1]

Ahh after I saw this weekend how Union encouraged fans for match day 1 to “bring photos of dead relatives who were Union fans but never got to see them play in first division” and thus counted them in their match day attendance, I’ve become quite intrigued by the club. Perfect timing for the video, thanks!

[@terryhsiao1745]

Hope they stay up this year!! It's a gross root club

[@daireharper9949]

They are neo nazis sooo

[@xPr0t0typ3xx]

@@daireharper9949 Bullshit.

[@Lolomatikus333]

@@daireharper9949 sure nazis from the former eastern communist part of germany

[@SGT676]

@@daireharper9949 For fuck sake they weren't Nazis. The skin heads probably were but they weren't all the union fans plus, as the video said they were seen as the team that hated the communist government.

[@2693742]

Today Union sits at the top of Bundesliga with Dortmund and Bayern. They also knocked Ajax out of Europa League winning the tie 3-1. Incredible story!

[@NazriB]

Lies again? UP BS

[@janj09]

And now they've beaten Dortmund 3-1. What a ride. Happy for their fans

[@Tomanna]

So beautiful and poetic that the fans saved the club with their own blood. Even renovated the stadium through voluntary work! Incredibly wholesome, fantastic fans.

[@xerr2595]

Plot twist: they all have hiv and hepatitis

[@christophecherel1440]

@@xerr2595 what are ye talking 'bout? comment is fucking sick... dislike!

[@Tomanna]

@@christophecherel1440 it was a joke chill out

[@SabaInterista]

Just 7 minutes ago I didn't know I was a Union Berlin fan.

[@hihy220]

Hahahhahaha

[@Lukas-tf3nu]

You aren't

[@dm24000]

Saba Kaplanishvili americans man.

[@penguindrummer252]

@@Lukas-tf3nu Professional gatekeeper are we?

[@penguindrummer252]

@@wayfarer6464 Yeah I guess him not wanting people to support his own club (presumably) warrants a fat raise if not a promotion.

[@william_bp]

That’s what I love about Tifo Football. They can make the most obscure topics entertaining.

[@Zarok_]

Well Union have a fantastic history so this was easier to make entertaining

[@nyanmad]

William B-P so true, look at oh my goal. They used to be interesting but now in a video they switch the topic halfway through “Where the Alli celebration came from” Talks about vardy’s kids for half the video

[@zakwan10]

@@nyanmad you think that's bad you should see what Copa 90 has become.

[@goodevil1227]

The blood donating thing gave me chills. Absolutely amazing. I'll look forward to watching them.

[@Ednet34]

not just that, but like he said later. The Union fans RENOVATED THE STADIUM BY THEMSELVES: The fans came there on the weekend and after work and they spent hours and hours renovating the stadium. NONE of them were paid, they did for free for the club. Many fans weere workers so they new how to do that. You had painters, building constructors, woodworkers and so on. and everyone who participated is written their names on a wall at the stadium.

[@gaara4667]

“Oh scheiße, wir steigen auf” Ich liebe es, das zu sagen😂😂😂

[@ramengod5768]

I'm sorry can you translate plz I don't speak German

[@spethmanjones2997]

EdMat I believe it means “oh shit, we’re going up!” in reference to their promotion

[@kipjohnson6647]

@@ramengod5768 The initial part is the "oh shit, we're going up," as was stated previously. The second line reads "I love it, what you said."

[@lucaskohl1037]

@@ramengod5768 Second Line: I love it, to say that

[@gibskeinspass3743]

Hsv fans hassen diesen trick

[@emirdacic2521]

"Oh shit, we're going up" is amazing

[@markrosstomlin]

I think you have just made me a Union Berlin fan!

[@112leo]

Yup, this video made me a Union Berlin fan

[@ptptpt123]

Bleed for Union, I literally had goosebumps at that part. What a story, what a story. This is one of your best topics to this day.

[@rexlongfellow]

Damn that's one cool club. "Oh shit, we're going up!" is an amazing slogan🤣🤣🤣

[@peacefulliberal5641]

And now they are on top of Bundesliga.

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

Was looking for a team to cheer for in Germany. Looks like I found them

[@RealDonatus]

With quality content like this, you’re making it real hard not to do a career mode with Union on Fifa 20.

[@thomasneilly5466]

I did a fifa career mode with them in fifa 12. Best one I have ever done

[@wannerknappe0483]

Unfortuneatly they are only 4 clubs in the Bundesliga without their real stadium licensed in fifa 20, and Union is one of them

[@ciand8438]

I just done one on fifa 19 about a month ago after seeing them get promoted and I liked the crest and kits 🤣🤣 I had no idea they had such an interesting background.

[@narcolonarcolo]

It hurt to watch Union get trashed by Leipzig last weekend but the fans were outstanding. I hope they manage to stay in the Bundesliga.

[@lonestarr1490]

They actually played quite excitingly. They just made too many mistakes in defense. If they manage to avoid those while keeping on attacking in that aggressive manor, chances are quite good I would say. After all, Leipzig is not one of the teams you _have_ to beat if you want to stay in the Bundesliga. There're others like Augsburg, Mainz, Paderborn, Düsseldorf, and maybe Köln. Those will be their main rivals in terms of relegation, I presume.

[@stephenhiscox]

narcolonarcolo they looked much better away to Augsburg yesterday (1-1) and could have won.

[@ismailniyaz5167]

Think they'll get better as the season progresses, the same way that Fortuna Dusseldorf did as their players got used to the pace at the top tier.

[@FloSchmdt14]

narcolonarcolo they beat trash ass bvb, so that’s a good thing 😂

[@holmbjerg]

Let's see if they can win the Bundesliga. So far they are a very early #1 this season. It's unlikely they can keep it up the pace, but what a story would it be if they ended up winning the title.

[@BigBlack81]

Quality. As usual. The Tifo Brand is almost laughably strong at this point. History and context, in a neat package. Bravo.

[@BigDez1987]

This is *not* the first season with a Berlin Derby. Hertha and Tennis-Borussia Berlin have met in the Bundesliga before

[@ClimateDude]

This needs to be higher, embarrasing mistake really for a channel that is usually very thourogh with their research. The first Berlin Derby in the Bundesliga was indeed between Hertha BSC and Tennis Borussia in the season 1974/75, they actually both played in the Olympiastadion in that season.

[@BigDez1987]

@blub blub that's true, but wasn't what was said

[@BigDez1987]

@blub blub wtf? Clearly you seeing as you felt the need to comment in the first place

[@BigDez1987]

@blub blub Petty? If anyone is petty it's you. All I said was that it wasn't the first BL Berlin Derby. Which is true. I wasn't being a dick about it. You piped up with an irrelevant (albeit true) point then took the huff when it was pointed out to you as such.

[@damek666]

Hertha and Union have played each other in second Bundesliga...

[@benjaminvonstein]

I have joked that I would die never seeing Union in the first division, for decades now...yet here we are. Still doesn't feel real. ...now if only my uncle hadn't drank so much that he forgot to get his name chiseled onto the Helmet out front lol

[@TheKingSnoke]

Great Video and much love for all the kind comments, all of u a very welcome to visit our awesome stadium. Meet you guys at "Alte Försterei" - Best wishes from Berlin 🔴⚪

[@bastiliedtk4390]

OST OST OSTDEUTSCHLAND

[@bloatii]

Narrator speaking German is the best thing I will hear today :D Great Video!

[@Sid-ix5qr]

*"Ne Scheiße, wir steigen auf!"* Best football chant ever!

[@ErsinGaga]

It wasn't really a chant, it was more a saying and present as a Banner

[@Tifo]

Immer noch weiter

[@failurexforever82]

@@ErsinGaga you are right about the banner but it was a chant as well. "so 'ne scheiße, wir steigen auf! ", actually.

[@Rotweisslopez]

@@ErsinGaga It was a chant to! I swear that!

[@retvrntotradition4454]

I have a suggestion: You should do a video on that Real Zaragoza team that tried to break into the top 4 of La Liga during the mid 2000's buying stars, only to be relegated in 07/08. They had players like Diego Milito, Pablo Aimar, Ayala, Ricardo Oliveira, D'Alessandro and a young Gabi.

[@Gentleman...Driver]

As a supporter of Borussia Dortmund I had two times the opportunity to come in contact with Union supporters during the German cup. It was always a pleasure. They are so friendly, eager and passionated. I could relate to that. Unfortunate I cant visit the first game in their stadium against us. :(

[@clarasuedi]

Wir haben gewonnnnen

[@Gentleman...Driver]

@@clarasuedi Und ich gratuliere...

[@clarasuedi]

@@Gentleman...Driver ich bin übrigens seit ich acht bin auch dortmund fan also nicht falsch verstehen. Lasst euch nicht von den bayern unterkriegen! 💛🖤

[@diamonbacks47]

Tifo makes stories from around the world come alive. What an incredible story

[@ComradeHellas]

What a club, what a story. Goodluck in Bundesliga Union Berlin!

[@SuperJuniorquintero]

As of 2/12/23, they're second in the Bundesliga (42 pts). One point behind leaders Bayern Munich (43 pts). It's safe to say they're blowing it up in the Bundesliga!

[@zattwik]

The "Bleed for Union" movement got me goosebumps. Massive respect for Union fans. Coupled with bringing the photos of dead fans to witness Bundesliga experience, Union is already commanding respect for themselves.

[@levi_athon9648]

Now the team is doing well.The fans work has paid off

[@Roch95Ftw]

Wow, this might just have made me a Union Berlin fan.

[@GlennS95]

I watched the Copa90 Berlin special a few years ago and fell in love the the Union story and since then have watched a few other videos on them, their fans and their story. Last year whilst travelling to Germany, I managed to catch a game in their stadium, walked away with a draw and a shirt. Now calling myself something of a Union fan. maybe one day I'll leave Australia for good and will manage to become a regular!

[@mrSam3ooo]

That’s awesome! I’m not an Union fan myself but I love the idea of someone in Australia repping a small German team probably no one over there has ever heard of

[@barnabycoleman6617]

You see this is why I love Tifo. I never would've known this inspiring story and now I feel a little bit better

[@kamali2593]

What I love most about Tifo, is that they bring us many interesting football stories, which happened outside of UK. This is not the case with many other English- speaking YT football channels, so it's great that someone is doing it. I read about Union before, but nevertheless I learned something new. Keep up the good work!

[@TheCoolhanddan83]

Awesome job on this vid, brought me up to speed in an entertaining way. 💯🔥

[@KennDrumm]

I’ve been hoping you guys would do a video on Union for ages! It does not disappoint

[@Drabee]

one of the channels best vids, amazing thank you

[@Bandermon]

Great piece!!

[@tznwyvuk471]

It's sad that 99% of today's football is all about money and it will eventualy devour even that 1% like Union Berlin.

[@codylecates8873]

Wow, this is awesome. I love all your videos, keep it up!

[@Jonas-ti6rz]

As a german its very funny how you pronounced „An der alten Försterei“ 😂 But Great Video!

[@akhilrawat1391]

Was it right or wrong?

[@vmzheyko]

Thanks for an interesting video. I love your spectacular presentation about all important details of the club and its philosophy. Union is definitely the club that deserves love and respect. Wish you much love as a Liverpool fan. ❤️

[@SuperduperZedd]

Excellent video and great content! Absolutely love the deep dive into the club's history and the "Oh shit, we're going up!" chant fact :) I think Alex Stewart would enjoy this video very much!

[@mz8061]

This was just fantastic work.

[@LuisAleman308]

Watching this after they beat Dortmund 3-1. What an amazing performance by such an amazing club. You’ve earned yourselves one more fan.

[@asteractor2348]

Whenever i think of something to comment, i scroll for 2 seconds and find it already written there. This fan base is amazing, and the videos are quality! Keep up the good work!

[@iantaylor7158]

And look at Union today ( 12th Oct 2022 ) - 2 pts clear at the top of the Budesliga. Fantastic story - hope they go on to do a "Leicester City" and win the title against all odds

[@ivanstyles2065]

Great work as always. This is what makes this channel superior to the rest.

[@einara.7956]

Make more, this is brilliant

[@arsyapermana1]

This is absolutely heartwarming

[@redypajero]

*They currently leading the Bundesliga table this season as league leaders,* _Imagine if Union Berlin went on to win the Bundesliga as another fairytale in world football._

[@Vervas59]

Here after they achieved promotion to the Bundesliga. What a story and good luck next season!

[@merrygin]

Ahh no way, my local club gets covered by Tifo! :D Really nice that you stumbled over this brilliant story. Don't know if youre primarily english viewership would care that much, but GDR-Football in general, but primarily the general abysmal decline of it after the reunification, is a very interesting story too.

[@deadmansfire]

The pronunciation of Litex Lovech had me in stitches. It's literally pronounced as it's written.

[@liamraybould7208]

Love these club history videos

[@Nero3335]

Terrific video essay.

[@runnerman1424]

And now 6 games they are 1st in the Bundesliga. 'Oh Scheiße, wir können die Liga gewinnen'

[@Francisco-1179]

7

[@runnerman1424]

Update: 2 games later still on top.

[@adityakumarjha8796]

Videos like these make Tifo Football the best KZbin channel related to football 😘😘👏👏👏👍👍

[@TheBrainSpecialist]

I guess I have a new favourite Bundesliga team

[@slamdunkd12345]

You guys make the most interesting football videos. I love learning about these clubs

[@Tifo]

Thanks mate

[@JoeAndNickgs]

Best one yet ☝️👏

[@radekon]

Excellent video. Very well researched. Köpenick is actually a borough of Berlin... but it is very much working class and, admittedly, 12km away from Alexanderplatz (the heart of what used to be East Berlin) so I can't blame you for calling it a suburb. This season's going to be rough. Win or lose the club will keep on growing, not with billions from some massive corporation or some far away oligarch, but with fans devoted to the ideal that honest and hard work will prevail in football. Again, stellar work Tifo!

[@Tifo]

Eisern Union ⚪️🔴

[@aarondeanshaw3842]

great vid

[@legogandalf5453]

Watching the Copa90 derby days on Union, and now watching this, has given me a soft spot for them

[@lavorbitor9711]

Whether they can do it without selling their soul remains to be seen. That killed me.. Good job!

[@4i4omitko]

The way you said Litex Lovetch made my day. :D Had to check the emblem twice to assure myself what the team is. Great video though.

[@stevencooke6451]

My first Tifo Football video. Very impressed.

[@ivicaberkov]

Great stuff... wir steigen auf!

[@aganast]

Thanks for a great video on Eisern Union

[@oliverdobson3761]

A proper football club. Brilliant, great video

[@yoyotommo1]

Been a fan of this club ever since going there 4 years ago. Not many Australians love a German club like this, but I can’t get enough.

[@jordanbrown1488]

It's happened again, It's happened AGAAAAAINNNN TIFO MAGIC It's happened again!!!!

[@rchopra535]

That was a great video

[@Wilayaat]

Worked in Berlin and watched Union Berlin play. Incredible history. atmosphere and stadium. Good luck to them, sadly the -17C temperature was the only downer for me!

[@abaelsolomon7069]

Tifo never disappoints

[@Snaily]

I didn't expect this to be as wholesome as it is. I so desperately hope they make a name for themselves in the Bundesliga with a fanbase as dedicated as that.

[@davidmacfarlane1858]

went to a couple of games once while holidaying in berlin, the fans and atmosphere were class

[@legalbeagle122]

Just learned about this teams history snd i absolutely love it~ bayern munich fan who lives abroad

[@sebastianwinward5224]

Another quality video

[@1955DodgersBrooklyn]

0:13 not the first Berlin derby in the Bundesliga, but the first between teams from West Berlin and East Berlin.

[@frodeo1337]

In Litex Lovech both the 'x' and the 'ch' are pronounced like in 'box' and 'China' respectively. 3:56

[@sbw1897]

Amazing that just three years on they are playing in next season's Champions League! What a club

[@AltairBernard]

And Hertha, the envied rich neighbour is in Bundesliga 2. And Union will play in their stadium in the UCL 🤣

[@vmzheyko]

And yes, you have got my subscription :)

[@abbaszaidi8371]

Another glorious video. When I go on holiday, I try to get an unfamiliar club shirt. One not instantly recognisable in England. I was in Berlin last year and got the Hertha shirt. But the salesman was effusive about Union and I can see why. But I’ll never wear red, so I’ll check out the away shirt when I’m back in Berlin next week

[@jakestanleytravel5462]

stick to hertha mate - best support and team in berlin

[@abbaszaidi8371]

JakeStanleyTravel careful there. A union fan will probably read this. I just love Berlin as a whole anyway

[@pacificdream5152]

Great video again. Can you make a video about Wolves under Tifo tactics. Their road to promotion, the effect of Nuno and the contribution of the board

[@LievenSerge]

You owe us Hertha fans one, who are watching your channel. Much respect for this video though! 😅💙🤍 @Tifo Football

[@elfriedel]

Nice piece of work - Berlin had already a Derby in Bundesliga, it's not the first time, but it is the first time since the Berlin Wall went down indeed.

[@julianh3864]

Proud to be a part of that club!🇲🇨

[@rishabhbajoria2713]

Absolutely brilliant video. Much thanks! Could you guys please share some of the sources of your research? I'd love to read more about Union! Thanks :)

[@EiSii1988]

Visit us is the best way to get some good old stories about our club. We've got many english-speaking ppl here. Its a pleasure for many of us to bring our "unique" culture into the world. I am fan over 15 years, spent my holidays at the stadium to rebuilt it, spent my blood and my love. Believe me :) Eisern Union!

[@maltherossel9348]

Do one on AFC Wimbledon

[@runrafarunthebestintheworld]

The real question is why don't they play at Wembley Stadium? Pfft

[@KZA061]

You mean AFC Milton Keynes?

[@maltherossel9348]

@@KZA061 No I do not speak of the franchise currently plying its trade in Milton Keynes... who were they when they were us?

[@KZA061]

@@maltherossel9348 you must be confused, there are two Milton Keynes teams. AFC Milton Keynes and MK Don's. Hope this helps

[@maltherossel9348]

@@KZA061 Well then... never heard of them... cheers

[@felixw19]

0:26 it has the last one was just was over 30 years ago and both teams were from West Berlin (obviously). In total there have been 3 other West Berlin teams other than Hertha who have played in the Bundesliga, but none of them stuck around for long.

[@kaspermichaels2520]

Absolutely beautiful what a wonderful story and club.

[@bryantrudy568]

Beautiful story!

[@RGARDL]

love the last words u said

[@CharlesDuchemin-ip1yf]

Their history reminds me of my club Racing Club de Strasbourg , the fans remained dedicated in lower division and Thursday we are playing against Eintracht to qualify for the Europa League!

[@Badnercalabrese]

Congrats on the return. I remember when RCS had one of the strongest scenes in France. It was a big loss for Ligue1 when you guys left.

[@CharlesDuchemin-ip1yf]

@@Badnercalabrese Thanks a lot! It was really tough times when we went 4 divisions under and the club got bankrupt but now everything is fine again. Our new president is a former player , many members of the staff are true Racing fans , and the fans have a big role in the club, Racing is a french club but managed in a German way. The club is a real symbol and a pride for our region. Last year was incredible we never thought it possible to win a piece of silverware after so much trouble but we managed. Hope we qualify although it will be hard , Eintracht is a solid team, but with the support of the fans eveything is possible in football! Cheers mate

[@PatL112]

this is some incredible history

[@JonathanRodriguez-nz9nw]

I truly hope they do well, awesome story!

[@BoxOfOranges84]

I watched their Promotion Playoff match against Stuttgart and the Union fans stormed the field after the win. Unbelievably dangerous but this video made it all make sense. Most underrated moment moment in football last season

[@Caleyfan86]

Amazing story 💪🏽