The Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic is a longstanding rivalry in Glasgow, where both clubs compete for dominance in Scottish football.
The last team to win the Scottish title outside the Old Firm was Aberdeen, led by Sir Alex Ferguson, in the 1984-85 season.
While a match between two teams from the same city may seem typical, the Old Firm derby holds much more significance in Glasgow.
The clash is not just about two teams; it represents two rich histories in football.
For supporters, the Old Firm derby is of utmost importance, with winning being the ultimate goal in this intense rivalry.
The Origins of the Old Firm
The saga of the Old Firm and its clubs extends beyond football itself.
It ties into the social and cultural history of Glasgow and Scotland.
Rangers FC began in 1872 with four young boys who spotted football in a park.
Brothers Moses and Peter McNeil, along with Peter Campbell and William McBeath, founded the team simply out of love for the sport. Their first match was played in May 1872, and by the following year, the club held its inaugural meeting.
Celtic FC was established in 1887 by Brother Walfrid to support the Irish Catholic immigrant community in Glasgow’s East End.
In the early years, there was no rivalry, and Celtic’s first game was a friendly against Rangers in May 1888, which they won 5-2.
The term “Old Firm” was reportedly first used in a 1904 cartoon in the Scottish Referee newspaper, highlighting the mutual benefits of the rivalry.
The Irish Context of the Divide
The social history of Glasgow is key to understanding this rivalry, especially its connections to Ireland.
The Irish Catholic community largely supported Celtic, while Rangers gained favor among the Ulster Protestant immigrants working in Glasgow.
Tensions between these communities intensified over the years, particularly during ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland.
Although the situation in Northern Ireland has improved, the atmosphere at matches can still reflect these underlying divisions.
Many fans travel from Ireland to support their teams, with numerous buses and flights heading to Glasgow for home games.
Glasgow has changed significantly in the 21st century, but the Old Firm derby remains deeply relevant.
The divide is marked by Rangers’ association with Scottish and British identity, while Celtic is rooted in its Irish Catholic heritage and often espouses republican views.
Fans: The Unique Selling Point of the Rivalry
While the Scottish Premiership may not match the financial clout of the English Premier League, it offers an authentic experience that many fans cherish.
Claims that Rangers and Celtic couldn’t compete in the Premier League overlook the financial realities that dictate performance.
Supporters are the heart of the Old Firm and Scottish football, bringing passion that enhances every match.
Though the frequency of Old Firm matches can lessen their impact, the demand from broadcasters and fans ensures more matches each season.
Despite its issues, the Old Firm rivalry is one of the most intense in football, marked by deeper themes of identity, politics, and religious differences.