Old Firm Derby

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Lore & Background

Founded in 1872, Rangers had no early religious leanings, but Celtic was established in 1887 to support the Irish Catholic population in East Glasgow. Over time, Rangers became associated with Protestant and Unionist identity, while Celtic drew support from Irish Roman Catholics. A long-standing unwritten rule at Rangers prevented them from signing Catholic players until Graeme Souness signed Mo Johnston. The rivalry intensified after a 1902 stadium collapse forced Rangers to sell key players, allowing Celtic to win six titles in a row between 1905 and 1910. Political tensions grew as Ulster Protestant workers moved to Glasgow for shipbuilding jobs, adopting Rangers, while Irish Catholic identity aligned with Celtic.

In Their Own Story

The Old Firm term may come from a satirical cartoon before the 1904 Scottish Cup final or from commentators describing the teams as 'like two old, firm friends.' In 1909, after two draws in a cup final, fans rioted believing results were fixed to generate more money, leading to injuries and damage at Hampden Park. Financial troubles hit Rangers in the early 2010s, culminating in liquidation in 2012 and their drop to the fourth tier. Many Celtic supporters argue the current Rangers is distinct from the pre-2012 club. Since 1985–86, one Old Firm side has won every Scottish League title, with both finishing top two in all but one season between 1995–96 and 2011–12.

Reader's Guide

The rivalry is rooted in more than sport, involving religion, Northern Ireland politics, national identity, and social ideology. While religious adherence has declined and interfaith marriages increased, sectarian incidents still occur, with violent attacks rising ninefold on Old Firm weekends. Police costs for seven derbies in the 2010–11 season reached £2.4 million, far exceeding the clubs' combined contribution of £0.3 million. As of 10 May 2026, the teams have met 452 times: Celtic and Rangers each won 172 matches, with 108 draws.

Did You Know?

• The term 'Old Firm' may originate from a satirical cartoon published in The Scottish Referee before the 1904 Scottish Cup final.
• Between 1905 and 1910, Celtic won six successive league titles after Rangers collapsed financially following a stadium disaster in 1902.
• In the early 2010s, Rangers' holding company was liquidated in 2012, forcing the club to restart in the fourth tier of Scottish football.
• From 1985–86 through at least 2020–21, either Celtic or Rangers won every single Scottish League title.
• On Old Firm weekends, violent attacks in Glasgow increase ninefold compared to normal levels.