Old Firm

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Lore & Background

The term 'Old Firm' may come from a 1904 satirical cartoon or a reference to their status as original members of the Scottish Football League formed in 1890. In 2012, Rangers faced liquidation and had to restart in the fourth tier; many Celtic supporters view this new entity as distinct from the pre-2012 club. While sectarianism involving Protestant and Catholic identities has driven hostility for decades—Rangers historically excluded Catholics until Mo Johnston joined in the Graeme Souness era—the divide is blurring in modern Glasgow with lower religious adherence and mixed voting patterns.

In Their Own Story

On matchdays, the rivalry draws global attention due to its enduring appeal. In the early 20th century, the competition intensified after Rangers' 1902 Ibrox disaster forced them to sell players, allowing Celtic to win six successive titles between 1905 and 1910. Political tensions rose in 1912 when Ulster Protestant workers moved to Glasgow for Harland and Wolff shipyards, adopting Rangers as their club against the backdrop of Irish rebellion symbolized by Celtic success. Today, while most fans avoid sectarianism, a minority's actions still drive headlines, with violent attacks reportedly increasing ninefold on Old Firm weekends.

Reader's Guide

Fans gather at Celtic Park or Ibrox for fixtures that cost Strathclyde Police significant resources; in the 2010–11 season, police costs reached £2.4 million for seven derbies while clubs contributed only £0.3 million. As of 10 May 2026, the teams have met 452 times in major competitions with 172 wins each and 108 draws. Supporters clubs exist across Scotland and worldwide, reflecting the massive fan bases that make these matches an economic force worth an estimated £120 million annually to the Scottish economy.

Did You Know?

• As of 10 May 2026, Celtic and Rangers have played each other exactly 452 times in major competitions.
• Rangers were forced to restart in the fourth tier of Scottish football after their holding company was liquidated in 2012.
• Between 1985–86 and the time of writing, one half of the Old Firm has won the Scottish League every single season.
• In the 2010–11 season alone, police costs for seven derbies totaled £2.4 million, far exceeding the clubs' contribution of £0.3 million.