Birmingham Zulu Warriors
| Founded by | Birmingham City F.C Fans |
|---|---|
| Founding location | Birmingham |
| Years active | 1982-present |
| Territory | Birmingham |
| Ethnicity | Mixed ethnicities: white British, black British, Irish and Asian British |
| Membership (est.) | 250-700 |
| Criminal activities | Football hooliganism, riots and fighting |
The Zulu Warriors are a football hooligan firm associated with English football club, Birmingham City. The Zulu Warriors were formed in 1982 out of an amalgamation of other Birmingham City firms including Apex. The name allegedly came from a chant of "Zulu, Zulu" which Manchester City fans aimed at Birmingham in 1982, due to their multicultural following. However, both the "Zulu" chant and the term "Zulu Warriors", in the context of a fan following rather than as an organised gang, were in use from at least the mid 1970s.
The Zulu Warriors have many members from different ethnic backgrounds (in stark contrast to most other hooligan firms which emerged around the same time, were almost universally white, and contained followers of far-right organisations including the National Front), Their main rivals are the fans of fellow Birmingham club, Aston Villa F.C. and there have been a number violent clashes before, during and after the Birmingham derby between the two clubs. The Zulus maintain that they are defending their city from invading firms.