UK football is one of the most thrilling sports globally, drawing enormous crowds of enthusiastic fans all over the world. The passion for football in the UK predates the establishment of the game’s organized structure in the late 1800s. And as much as the game has seen remarkable growth since its inception, there is a lot about UK football history that remains unknown. In this blog post, we shall highlight seven exciting facts about UK football that you may not know.
The First International Football Match Took Place in Scotland
Many football enthusiasts believe that the first football match between two national teams played in England against Scotland in 1872. However, the first international football match actually took place between Scotland and England in 1870. During this game, the two nations played against each other in an unofficial match even before the official status of international fixtures.
Football Was Banned in the UK for a Long Time
The game of football was regarded as rough, violent, and dangerous, and as a result, it was banned several times between the twelfth and seventeenth centuries. King Edward III famously banned it in 1365, stating that it was detracting soldiers from taking part in archery practice. The ban was lifted when Queen Elizabeth I ascended to the throne in 1558, declaring that football should be played on Christmas Day.
Manchester United Was Almost Bankrupted After the Munich Air Disaster
The Munich Air Disaster occurred on February 6, 1958, as a British European Airways flight crashed into a runway at the Munich-Riem Airport. Among the 44 people who lost their lives, eight were Manchester United players, staff, and three reporters. The disaster impacted Manchester United significantly, almost bankrupting the club. Despite this, the team mounted a remarkable comeback, winning the European Cup a decade after the tragedy.
The Oldest Football Club Is Sheffield FC
Sheffield FC is recognized globally as the oldest football club in the world, having been established in 1857. The club broke new ground in the development of football when they drafted the Sheffield Rules in 1858, which set the standard of the game as it is played today.
The Fastest Football Goal in History
In 2017, UK football made history when Tommy Ross scored a goal in 4.9 seconds playing for Wick Academy against Forres Mechanics. The goal now holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest goal in football history, beating previous records of 5.3 seconds and 6 seconds.
Online Gambling
Online gambling has become a significant part of UK football culture, with betting companies offering numerous betting markets for football games. Football betting sites, have now become an integral part of the game’s experience, attracting millions of football fans worldwide.
The First Player to Score 100 League Goals
In 1901, Steve Bloomer became the first UK footballer to score 100 league goals. The historic milestone was achieved while playing for Derby County, a club he represented on two separate occasions and netted an incredible 317 goals.
UK football has come a long way from the days it was regarded as a rough and violent game. The game’s impact on people’s lives globally can’t be understated, with the number of enthusiastic fans continually growing. By understanding some of the game’s untold exciting facts and unique stories, fans can gain a deeper appreciation of UK football’s history and its profound impact on the UK’s sporting culture.
