Any game between Celtic and Rangers is far more than a football match, it’s a battle of politics and religion as well.
Celtic and Rangers consistently produce thrilling contests and have been locked in battle for years and it will forever remain the same.
Although the gulf in class has been more noticeable between the two clubs in recent years, an Old Firm derby will always throw up a fiercely contested game.
The origin of the term “Old Firm” remains unclear till this day, though some associate it with commentators who referenced the two sides being “like two old, firm friends” during their first meeting in 1888, a game which Celtic won 5-2.
How was the rivalry was formed?
As suggested from the outset, a game between Celtic and Rangers is so much more than football. It’s a game that has as much to do with Northern Ireland as Scotland, which is demonstrated with flags, cultural symbols and by the emblems of both clubs.
Rangers fans are historically more native Scotsman, whereas Celtic fans are considered more Irish-Scots.
Celtic was founded in 1887 by a Catholic and the club’s origins are embedded in Irish Catholicism.
Rangers, were founded slightly before in 1872 but by a team of working class Scottish Protestants.
The difference between the two founding partners meant that rivalry was intense from the outset, although it severely heightened in the 2000’s.
The rise and influence of social media, differing views on the Scottish independence referendum and Rangers’ liquidation in 2012 have led to the rivalry reaching a new level.
Violence
The word violence is commonly associated with the Old Firm derby and you don’t have to research far without unravelling some scathing details of what trouble has occurred when the two sides meet.
In their most recent meeting, violence on and off the pitch marred the occasion like it usually does. Only this time, the rivalry was taken to a new level as a Celtic fan died after being stabbed.
Rivalry is all about intensity and passion but when someone dies as a result of bad blood between two clubs, that’s when it becomes all too much.
Violent clashes go back a number of years but arguably the most famous battle between the two sets of fans was in 1980.
During the Scottish Cup Final between the two rivals, rioting after the match on the pitch involved supporters from both sides clashing.
This then resulted in the sale of alcohol being banned at sporting events in Scotland, as police were quick to blame alcohol for the reasoning behind such horrendous scenes.
Head to head
These two Scottish sides have been locked in battle for over well over a century and the fierce nature of the derby will never change.
There has been 416 meetings between Rangers and Celtic, with Rangers winning 160 times, compared to Celtic’s 157 wins.
Despite their obvious superiority in recent years, Celtic remain marginally behind Rangers in all-time history, something they hope will change in say, ten years time.
Where does it rank on our rivalry scale?
As voted by our twitter followers, we were surprised to see that the Old Firm was joined-fourth out of the ten derbies.
Reasoning for its low place is unknown and it’s certainly shocking considering its constant violence and bad blood between fans.
Now that both teams are back to their best, the rivalry may now get even greater with Celtic and Rangers consistently again fighting for the Scottish Premiership.
Should the Old Firm Derby be higher up the rivalry scale? Let us know your thoughts…
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