Leicester City F.C.–Nottingham Forest F.C. rivalry

Lore & Background

The rivalry dates to 1901, with 111 meetings as of May 2025. One of the most infamous matches occurred on 21 April 1909, when Nottingham Forest defeated Leicester Fosse 12–0—Leicester's worst defeat and Forest's record league win. The Football League ordered an inquiry after several Leicester players were reportedly hungover from a wedding the night before, but no action was taken.

Notable modern encounters include a League Cup match on 18 September 2007, rescheduled after the original was abandoned when Leicester's Clive Clarke collapsed at half-time. Leicester won 3–2 despite Forest being given a 'free goal'. On 4 May 2013, a dramatic late Anthony Knockaert goal gave Leicester a first league win at the City Ground since 1972, sending them into the playoffs.

Nine hat-tricks have been recorded in the fixture, seven by Forest—three of those in the 12–0 win. Don Revie (November 1948) and Jermaine Beckford (January 2012) scored hat-tricks for Leicester. The sides met in the top flight for the first time in 23 years on 3 October 2022, with Leicester winning 4–0; Forest won the return 2–0.

Reader's Guide

The Leicester City–Nottingham Forest rivalry is a key East Midlands derby, representing the two largest cities in the region. Though each club has closer rivals—Forest to Notts County and Derby County, Leicester to Coventry City—the fixture carries historical weight. The 12–0 Forest win in 1909 remains a record league victory and a symbol of the rivalry's extremes. The fixture has seen notable transfers between the clubs, including Wes Morgan's £1 million move from Forest to Leicester in January 2012, and shared managers such as Martin O'Neill, who played for Forest and later managed Leicester. Crowd trouble has been documented, including arrests after the 2013 playoff-deciding match and incidents of racist abuse. The rivalry's significance lies in its longevity, competitive balance, and the occasional high-stakes meetings that have shaped both clubs' seasons.

Did You Know?

• The 12–0 Forest win in 1909 led to a Football League inquiry after several Leicester players were reportedly hungover from a wedding.
• Nine hat-tricks have been recorded in the fixture; seven are by Nottingham Forest, three of which came in the 12–0 match.
• Leicester's first league win at the City Ground since 1972 came on 4 May 2013 via a late Anthony Knockaert goal.
• The 2007 League Cup match was rescheduled after Leicester's Clive Clarke collapsed at half-time; Leicester won 3–2.