Fans kept apart at a match between the clubs |
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| First contested | 28 May 1888 |
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| Teams involved | Celtic and Rangers |
The Old Firm is a common collective name for the association football clubs Celtic and Rangers, both based in Glasgow, Scotland.
The origin of the term is unclear. One theory has it that the expression derives from Celtic's first game in 1888, which was played against Rangers. However, author, William J. Murray states that the term derives from the commercial benefits of the two clubs' rivalry, which were viewed with distaste in some quarters in the early days of the game.[1]
The two clubs are the most successful in Scotland, having won between them 96 Scottish League championships, 67 Scottish Cups and 41 Scottish League Cups (as of May 2011). Interruptions to their ascendancy have occurred infrequently, most recently with the challenge of the New Firm of Aberdeen and Dundee United in the first half of the 1980s and other times happening in the 1890s and 1950s. Since the 1995–96 season, the Old Firm clubs have finished in the top two places in every season, apart from 2005–06, when Hearts finished second ahead of Rangers. As of 28 December 2011, Rangers and Celtic had played each other 397 times: Rangers winning 158 matches, Celtic 144 matches and 95 draws.[2] The two clubs normally compete four times a year in the SPL and are regularly drawn against each other in the two Scottish cup competitions.
The clubs have large support bases around Glasgow, but also have supporters clubs in most towns throughout Scotland and in many cities around the world. The presence of Rangers and Celtic has been estimated to be worth £120 million to the Scottish economy.[3]
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The competition between the two clubs has roots in more than just a simple sporting rivalry. It is infused with a series of complex disputes, sometimes centred on religion (Catholic and Protestant) and Northern Ireland-related politics (Loyalist and Republican). Another primary contributor to the intensity of the rivalry in the west of Scotland is that Rangers supporters are historically native Scots and Celtic supporters are historically Irish-Scots. While the confrontation between the two sets of supporters is often lablelled as 'Sectarianism', 'Native-Immigrant tension' is an equally accurate catalyst for hostility between the two teams' supports in Scotland. Rangers' traditional support was largely from the Protestant community, while Celtic's was largely from those of Irish Roman Catholic backgrounds. One effect is that Scottish flags are rarer than might be expected amongst both sets of supporters; Celtic fans are more likely to wave the Irish tricolour while Rangers fans tend to wave the Union Flag.
The ferocity of the rivalry has made it rare for a player to represent both teams during his career. Players who have played for both sides of the Old Firm include Alex Bennett, Scott Duncan, Robert Campbell, and George Livingstone, who all played before the intensity of the rivalry had started prior to 1912, as well as later players: Alfie Conn, Maurice Johnston, Kenny Miller, Steven Pressley and Mark Brown.
In 1980, opposing fans fought an on-pitch battle in the aftermath of Celtic's 1–0 victory in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden. This remains one of the worst invasions onto a football pitch ever reported, and was instrumental in alcohol being banned from football grounds in Scotland.[4]
There was serious fan disorder during an Old Firm match played in May 1999 at Celtic Park, as several missiles were thrown by Celtic fans, one of which struck referee Hugh Dallas, forcing the game to be stopped while he received medical treatment.[5] At least four Celtic fans invaded the field of play to confront Dallas during the game,[5] and more missiles were thrown at players on the pitch after the game.[5] Since the events of that day, Old Firm league matches have normally been played in the early afternoon and the possibility of an Old Firm title decider has been deliberately avoided.[6][7]
The Old Firm rivalry fuels many assaults on Old Firm Derby days, and some deaths in the past have been directly related to the aftermath of Old Firm matches. An activist group that monitors sectarian activity in Glasgow has reported that on Old Firm weekends, violent attacks increase ninefold over normal levels.[8] An increase in domestic abuse can also be attributed to Old Firm fixtures.[9] A freedom of information request found that Strathclyde Police incurred costs of £2.4 million for the seven derbies played during the 2010–11 season, with the clubs only contributing £0.3 million towards that.[10] Other high profile games involving Rangers and Celtic incurred much lower costs.[10] The reason for the disparity in costs and the contribution made is that Strathclyde Police has to increase its activity elsewhere in Glasgow and beyond, while the clubs are only responsible for costs incurred in the vicinity of their stadium.[10]
| Competition | Played | Rangers | Celtic | Draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish League | 302 | 118 | 100 | 84 |
| Scottish Cup | 48 | 16 | 23 | 9 |
| League Cup | 47 | 24 | 21 | 2 |
| Totals | 397 | 158 | 144 | 95 |
Note: League championship statistics include play-off match for the 1904–05 title which Celtic won 2–1.
1888–1999 statistics obtained from RSSSF; Remaining stats obtained from Soccerbase
* Four or more goals difference, OR the winning team scored five or above, friendly matches not included
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