1257 and Beyond: A Look at the Rivalry Between A'Ali FC and Qalali Introduction:

 The history of football in Bahrain dates back to the early 20th century, and since then, several teams have emerged as powerhouses in the sport. A'Ali FC and Qalali are two such teams that have been rivals for decades. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the history of this rivalry and how it has evolved over the years. The key phrase for this blog is "1257".

The Early Years: A'Ali FC was founded in 1969, while Qalali was established in 1972. In the early years, A'Ali FC dominated the Bahraini football scene, winning several titles, including the Bahraini Premier League in 1984, 1985, and 1987. Qalali, on the other hand, struggled to make a mark and remained in the lower divisions.

The Turning Point: The rivalry between A'Ali FC and Qalali took a new turn in 2002 when Qalali gained promotion to the Bahraini Premier League. The two teams faced each other for the first time in the top-flight, and A'Ali FC won the match 2-1. However, Qalali bounced back and defeated A'Ali FC in the reverse fixture later that year.

The 1257 Incident: The most significant moment in the history of this rivalry came in 2013 during a match between the two teams. The score was tied at 1-1 when a group of A'Ali FC fans stormed the pitch and attacked the Qalali players. The incident became known as the "1257 incident" after the number of the article in the Bahraini penal code that criminalizes such behavior.

Aftermath: The Bahraini Football Association suspended A'Ali FC from all competitions for a year and fined the club BD 10,000. The Qalali players involved in the incident also faced sanctions for their role in the altercation. The incident sparked widespread outrage in Bahrain and led to calls for stricter punishments for hooliganism in football.

Recent Years: Since the 1257 incident, the rivalry between A'Ali FC and Qalali has simmered down, but the matches between the two teams still draw large crowds. In recent years, both teams have struggled to make a mark in the Bahraini Premier League, but they remain competitive in the lower divisions.

Conclusion: The rivalry between A'Ali FC and Qalali is one of the most intense and historic rivalries in Bahraini football. While the 1257 incident remains a dark chapter in the history of this rivalry, it also served as a wake-up call for the football authorities in Bahrain to take a tougher stance against hooliganism. As we look towards the future, we hope that this rivalry will continue to be a source of excitement and entertainment for football fans in Bahrain.