Peaky Blinders, the street gang of the late 19th century based in Birmingham, England, has gained prominence in pop culture in the last decade due to the popularity of the BBC show which explores their life. The same gang was trending among soccer fans recently due to a throwback picture from 1920.
A soccer account on X uploaded a throwback picture of a game between West Brom and Watford in 1920 circling a group of individuals in the crowd. The account claimed that the group of individuals were the famous Peaky Blinders who were spotted at the game between the English sides.
It means that game was rigged 100%
— TheLunaWolf (@TheRealLunaWolf) September 27, 2023
The group was notorious for illegal gambling in various sports like horse racing during their years of control. The picture went viral on the social media site, with fans fascinated by historical evidence of the group. The connection to gambling was mentioned again in the comments section by the fans.
Comments like “It means that game was rigged 100%,“, “They’re the one who’s match-fixing it probably” and “seems scripted” claimed that the said game was fixed by the group themselves.
How the people look very classy at that time.
— Bejo Mulyono (@muljonobedjo) September 27, 2023
Others noted some different observations with comments like “I guess there was no first-class seat back then, “Man these clubs have history older than some countries” and “How the people look very classy at that time.”
It is to be noted that the authenticity of the picture is yet to be proved by a reliable source. The user claimed that the picture was from 1920, however, the Peaky Blinders were active only from the 1880s to 1910s. As per records, the group disappeared by the 1920s.
Peaky Blinders’ connection in Birmingham City FC takeover
The throwback picture maybe isn’t accurate however, the connection of Peaky Blinders in the recent takeover of the soccer club in Birmingham City is authentic. Peaky Blinders were based in Birmingham City, the major club out of the city is Birmingham City FC which is currently in the process of being taken over by Tom Wagner.
Tom Wagner is the Chief of the American Hedge Fund which is taking over the club. The previous owner BSHL confirmed in a statement back in May that the majority shareholding in Birmingham City Stadium Limited will be transferred to Shelby Companies Limited, led by Wagner.
Birmingham City chairman Tom Wagner celebrating with the fans in the away end at Preston tonight👏 pic.twitter.com/C5EPR8BqBB
— Football Away Days (@AwayDays_) September 19, 2023
Shelby Companies Limited was the name of the company opened by Thomas Shelby, head of the Peaky Blinders in the BBC show based on the street gang. The connection or coincidence has amused the fan base of the club, due to the reference of the pop culture in the current takeover while they struggle in the mid-table of the second division of the English League.