ROYALE UNION SAINT-GILLOISE: FOOTBALL HERE IS MORE THAN A GAME – IT’S A LIVING, BREATHING FOLKLORE

August 5, 2024

“Few sights compare to the Union games in Saint-Gilles.”

THE RETURN OF THE JUPILER PRO LEAGUE

Last season a sea of blue and yellow, witnessed Royale Union Saint-Gilloise win the Belgian Croky Cup final, as young and old sat side by side celebrating a moment that will be passed from generation to generation.

Their 1-0 victory against @royal_antwerp_fc was 120 years in the making with their last triumph in the Belgian Cup coming in 1914.

It is a day that will forever be etched in the memory of Les Unionistes fans and it is also something that provides much optimism for the season as the club returned to action in the Jupiler Pro League.

THE DUDEN PARC, ENVELOPED IN ITS MYSTICAL CHARM

Whilst an opening day 0-0 draw against Dender may not have set the pulses racing, It did nothing to dampen expectations ahead of a return to the Stade Joseph Marien for game day two against newly promoted K. Beerschot V.A.

Beerschot, under the tutelage of Dutch legend Dirk Kuyt, won the Challenger Pro League last season to secure their place in the top flight of Belgian football.

Playing an exciting brand of football the Antwerp club is a welcome addition to the league and they also bring with them a loyal and fanatical support.

As a photographer capturing the essence of Belgian football, it has to be said that few sights compare to the Union games in Saint-Gilles.

The game against Beerschot sets the stage for a clash brimming with tradition. As I made my way to the stadium I could see that the streets were alive with the gathering of fans, their passion palpable in every cheer. The Duden Parc, enveloped in its mythical charm, adds a unique backdrop to this historic encounter.

Photographing this event, I’m reminded of how football here is more than a game—it’s a living, breathing folklore.

THE VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE THEY’VE HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT

After years of being away from the top tier, Union has quickly established itself as a mainstay in Belgium’s first division.

A few years ago, when Union was still playing in the second division, I made my first visit to Dudenpark thanks to my uncle, who lives nearby and once played there himself.

The atmosphere among the supporters is always lively as they converge on the picturesque stadium.

The crowd is a diverse mix, including people who work for the European Union, young families, and Dutch tourists who have come to experience the vibrant atmosphere they’ve heard so much about.

Before the match, I often meet up with my aunt and uncle to catch up and, during this occasion, I presented them with a keepsake in the form of a photograph.

DOING WHAT I LOVE

As the game kicked off on what was a cold Friday evening, the Blue and Yellow of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and the Purple and White Army of Beerschot created a cauldron of noise and a red-hot atmosphere that soon warmed the stadium up. Even as the rain fell and the wind howled, the supporters of both clubs never relented for a moment.

Despite falling behind to a goal from Union’s Dennis Eckert after just two minutes, Beerschot never allowed their heads to drop, instead followed the example of their loyal fans by continuing to believe in a possible fairytale.

Union went into the half-time break two goals to the good, but Beerschot came out fighting. Dirk Kuyt, who prowled the sidelines throughout the evening, has cultivated a courageous side out of his own image, and they fed off the energy of the crowd.

Refusing to go easily into the night, Charly Keita clawed a goal back early in the second half, before Union broke the hearts of Beerschot with a decisive third strike.

As the full-time whistle sounded, I looked around the Stade Joseph Marien and took in the atmosphere all around me. It made me realise just how good it is to be back doing what I love.