If we had to date the vintage of “I love you me non plus” between FC Sion and Servette FC, it would undoubtedly be the 1992 vintage. And more precisely that of Saturday May 23, 1992.
That day, the Valais public came en masse to the Stade des Charmilles, in Geneva, to see their FC Sion win the Swiss championship title, the first in its history. The affront, the “supreme” offense. If there is no real rivalry on the pitch, it is in the stands that the enmities are most acute.
For the supporters, or the ultras, the only real French-speaking derby is now between Valais and Geneva that it is played. Since that year, they have even become the best enemies of French-speaking football. Without doubt a story of sporting supremacy, first of all Geneva. Before 1992, the Grenat dominated, sometimes with arrogance, the championship against the “nice and courageous” Sédunois, but nothing more. Servette is the rich club, with a plethora of players, often from Valais.
In the stands, mentalities clash. The people of Valais support and desire victory. The people of Geneva are supportive and want a show. The antagonism is also cantonal. To put it simply, in the stands the city – countryside or city – mountain duel takes place. The “big mouth” Genevan versus the “big grape lover” from Valais: the clichés are rife, as are the tensions. Antagonism is fueled by duels on the lawns.
Not a match like the others
Sion won its first Swiss Cup in 1965 against… Servette, of course. Then, relegations, promotions, titles (17 for the Genevans, 2 for the Sédunois), matches, figures and victories poison the stands, which oscillate between rivalry, difference, jealousy and sometimes stupidity. But this derby always ensures full stadiums, a tifo up to par and players who raise their level of play.
It’s never a match like any other. A French-speaking derby even less so, and what about the Rhône derby between Sion and Servette. In any case, that of May 23, 1992 will be remembered, especially in Valais.
Alberto Montesissa
Swiss
