FRIENDLY FIRE

Bert: Dundee derby isn't as nasty as others I've played in but it's just as intense and we want to give United fans bragging rights

- SCOTT BURNS

BERT ESSELINK reckons there is more of a "friendly' hate to the Dundee derby than others he's played in.

The Dundee United defender witnessed the nasty side of the game with APOEL in Cyprus during their clashes with bitter Nicosia rivals Omonia.

Derby of the Eternal Enemies matches are notoriously hostile - with ultras turning the ground the clubs share into a cauldron.

The City of Discovery clash might be as fierce on the pitch but the Dutchman reckons there is more respect between both sets of fans.

It is helped by the fact they are divided only by a couple of hundred yards.

Esselink, who also had a loan spell at Olympiakos Nicosia before moving to Poland in summer 2023, said:

"In Cyprus, it's maybe more aggressive to each other than it is here.

"From what I've experienced until now, there is hate, but maybe in a more friendly way.