From the publisher:
MUFC Rotterdam 91 is a series of photographs taken by Richard Davis that captures partying Manchester United fans in Rotterdam for their Cup Winners Cup Final against Barcelona in May 1991.
The limited edition A5 zine contains 28 black and white archival photographs across 24 pages.
In the late 1980s Richard was right in the mix of the Madchester music scene, photographing bands, gigs and raves. When the opportunity came his way to photograph a new breed of football fan that was seemingly influenced by that music scene it was the perfect fit for him.
Having initially focussed on the changing face of football fans in the North West in general, taking in Liverpool, Everton, Oldham, City and United fans, his travels eventually took him to Rotterdam for United’s clash with Barcelona.
This was the first time an English team has reached a major European final since clubs were banned following the Heysel Stadium disaster in 1985. The expectation from media both in the UK and across Europe was that there would be the inevitable clashes between United fans and both Barcelona supporters and Dutch Feyenoord fans.
As Richard’s pictures show, this proved not to be the case. This new generation of fans, influenced by the music scene, wanted to dance, party and have fun.
“Rave and dance culture was massive at the time and definitely encouraged football fans to approach games with a feeling of wanting to have a good time. People wanted to party not fight.” Richard Davis
Richard Davis has an impressive archive of pictures that captures the music and football scenes in the north west of England during the 80s and 90s which can be seen at British Culture Archive and has a series of publications with Café Royal Books.
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