Celtic F.C. vs. Rangers F.C.: A Timeline of “The Old Firm” Rivalry

The rivalry between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C., collectively known as “The Old Firm,” is one of the most intense and storied rivalries in world football. More than just a game, it represents a complex tapestry of social, political, and religious divides that have shaped Scottish society for over a century. This comprehensive article delves into the rich history of this rivalry through a detailed timeline, exploring key moments, significant matches, and the enduring factors that fuel this passionate contest.   

Origins and Early Years (Late 19th Century – Early 20th Century)

The roots of the Old Firm rivalry can be traced back to the late 19th century, with the formation of both clubs:

Celtic F.C. (1887): Founded by Brother Walfrid, an Irish Marist Brother, with the aim of raising money for impoverished Irish immigrants in Glasgow’s East End. This established a strong connection with the Catholic community.   

Rangers F.C. (1872): Founded by four young men in Glasgow, Rangers attracted a predominantly Protestant following, particularly among the city’s working class.   

The early matches between the two clubs were primarily friendly affairs, but as their support bases grew along sectarian lines, the rivalry began to take shape.

First Meeting (1888): Celtic won the first-ever meeting between the two sides, a friendly match played at Celtic Park.

Early 20th Century: The rivalry intensified, with matches becoming increasingly competitive and attracting large crowds.

Interwar Period and Mid-20th Century (1918-1960s)

The interwar period and the mid-20th century saw the Old Firm rivalry become deeply ingrained in Scottish culture:

Growth of Sectarianism: The social and political climate of the time, marked by economic hardship and social divisions, exacerbated the sectarian undertones of the rivalry.

Dominance of Both Clubs: Both Celtic and Rangers consistently dominated Scottish football during this period, further fueling the competition.

Increased Media Coverage: Increased media coverage of Old Firm matches further amplified the rivalry and its significance.

The Jock Stein and Willie Waddell Era (1960s-1970s)

The 1960s and 1970s marked a golden era for both clubs, with legendary managers Jock Stein (Celtic) and Willie Waddell (Rangers) at the helm:

Celtic’s European Success (1967): Celtic’s victory in the European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) under Jock Stein was a watershed moment, solidifying their place in European football history.   

Rangers’ Cup Winners’ Cup Victory (1972): Rangers’ triumph in the European Cup Winners’ Cup further intensified the rivalry and added another layer of competition.

On-Field Battles: Matches during this period were often fiercely contested, with both teams boasting world-class players.

The “Ten in a Row” Era and its Aftermath (1980s-1990s)

The late 1980s and 1990s saw Rangers embark on a period of unprecedented dominance, winning nine consecutive league titles (“Nine in a Row”):   

Rangers’ Financial Investment: Significant financial investment allowed Rangers to attract top players and further solidify their dominance.

Increased Tensions: This period of Rangers’ dominance led to increased tensions and further fueled the rivalry.

Celtic’s Response: Celtic eventually broke Rangers’ run, beginning their own period of dominance in the early 2000s.

The 21st Century and Rangers’ Financial Difficulties (2000s-2010s)

The 21st century has been a turbulent period for the Old Firm rivalry:

Celtic’s Dominance: Celtic enjoyed a period of sustained success in the early to mid-2000s.

Rangers’ Administration (2012): Rangers faced severe financial difficulties, leading to their administration and subsequent liquidation. The club was then reformed and started again in the fourth tier of Scottish football.   

The “New Firm” Period: During Rangers’ absence from the top flight, matches between Celtic and other clubs were sometimes referred to as the “New Firm,” but they lacked the same intensity and historical significance.

The Old Firm’s Return (2016-Present)

Rangers’ return to the Scottish Premiership in 2016 reignited the Old Firm rivalry:   

Renewed Intensity: The return of the Old Firm derby brought back the intense atmosphere and global attention.

Competitive Matches: Matches since Rangers’ return have been highly competitive, with both teams vying for domestic dominance.

Steven Gerrard’s Rangers Title (2021): Rangers, under the management of Steven Gerrard, won the league title in 2021, breaking Celtic’s run of nine consecutive titles.

FAQs

When did the first Celtic vs. Rangers match take place, and what was the context?

The first meeting between Celtic and Rangers, often referred to as the “Old Firm” derby, took place in 1888. This initial encounter was a friendly match, played at Celtic Park, and Rangers emerged victorious with a score of 5-2. The context of this early meeting was the burgeoning football scene in Glasgow, with both clubs having been recently founded and representing distinct cultural and social identities. Celtic, founded by Irish Catholic immigrants, and Rangers, with its Protestant and Unionist roots, established a rivalry that quickly transcended the sport itself. This first match laid the foundation for one of the most intense and enduring rivalries in football history.

What are some of the key periods or eras in the Celtic vs. Rangers timeline?

The Celtic vs. Rangers timeline is punctuated by various key periods and eras, each marked by significant events and shifts in the balance of power. The early years saw the establishment of the rivalry and the development of distinct club identities. The mid-20th century witnessed periods of dominance for both clubs, with numerous league titles and cup victories. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw further intensification of the rivalry, with high-profile matches and controversies. More recently, Rangers’ financial difficulties and subsequent relegation to the lower leagues in 2012 marked a significant period, with several years passing before the two teams met again in top-flight competition. Each of these eras has contributed to the rich tapestry of the Old Firm rivalry.

What are some of the most memorable matches or moments in the Celtic vs. Rangers timeline?

The Celtic vs. Rangers timeline is filled with countless memorable matches and moments that have become ingrained in football folklore. These include dramatic last-minute goals, controversial refereeing decisions, and unforgettable individual performances. Some examples include the 1904 Scottish Cup final replay, which Celtic won after two previous draws, and the 1967 European Cup final, which Celtic won just weeks after defeating Rangers in the Scottish Cup final. More recent examples include numerous title-deciding matches and dramatic cup finals. Every fan has their own personal favorite memories from this storied rivalry.

In summary

The Celtic F.C. vs. Rangers F.C. the timeline is a long and complex one, filled with moments of triumph, heartbreak, and controversy. The rivalry is deeply ingrained in Scottish culture and represents more than just a football match. While the negative aspects of the rivalry are undeniable, the passion and intensity surrounding these games make them one of the most compelling spectacles in world football. The Old Firm derby is a testament to the power of football to unite and divide, and its story is sure to continue for generations to come.   

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