Celtic vs Rangers

Lore & Background

This sectarian divide fueled a fierce competition that transcended football, making every match a clash of identities. The term 'Old Firm' itself is said to have originated from a 1904 cartoon depicting the two clubs as 'old firm' businessmen dividing the spoils of Scottish football.

In Their Own Story

The rain fell in sheets over Ibrox as the Celtic support roared from the Broomloan Road end. In the 89th minute, a young Kenny Dalglish picked up the ball on the edge of the box, feinted past two defenders, and slotted a low shot past the Rangers keeper. The Celtic end erupted, a green-and-white wave of joy that drowned out the blue-clad silence. That goal sealed a 2-1 victory, a moment etched into the folklore of the Old Firm.

Reader's Guide

The rivalry is fierce due to its deep cultural roots, with both clubs representing opposing religious and political identities. The matches are known for their intensity, passion, and occasional violence, both on and off the pitch. The 1980 Scottish Cup final saw a pitch invasion and riot, highlighting the raw emotion involved. The rivalry has produced legendary figures like Jock Stein for Celtic and Bill Struth for Rangers, who shaped the clubs' identities. The fixture remains the most anticipated in Scottish football, drawing global attention.

Did You Know?

• The term 'Old Firm' was first used in a 1904 cartoon by the Scottish Referee newspaper.
• Rangers hold the record for the most Scottish league titles and the most Scottish Cup wins (34), while Celtic have 21 Scottish Cup wins.