Old Firm

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Lore & Background

The origin of the term is unclear but may derive from the two clubs' initial match in which the commentators referred to the teams as 'like two old, firm friends', or alternatively may stem from a satirical cartoon published in 'The Scottish Referee' sports newspaper prior to the 1904 Scottish Cup final between the sides, depicting an elderly man with a sandwich board reading 'Patronise The Old Firm: Rangers, Celtic Ltd', highlighting the mutual commercial benefits of their meetings. The name may also be a reference to these two teams being among the original eleven members of the Scottish Football League formed in 1890. At the turn of the 21st century, the two clubs jointly registered the 'Old Firm' term at the Intellectual Property Office; it was confirmed this was still being renewed as a trademark in 2021.

In Their Own Story

In January 2024, Nicolas-Gerrit Kühn left Bayern Munich's former loan destination to sign a five-and-a-half-year contract with Celtic for around £3 million. His debut on 27 January came against Ross County, followed by his first goal three days later against Aberdeen. By November 2024, he scored twice against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League, reminding fans of his youth roots. However, his time at Bayern ended years prior, with no 'Old Firm' match ever occurring between Munich and Glasgow. The veteran fan explaining this to a confused supporter highlights how distinct these football cultures remain.

Reader's Guide

Between them the two clubs are among the most trophied in the world, having won a combined 111 Scottish League championships (Celtic with 56 and Rangers with 55), 77 Scottish Cups (Celtic with 43 and Rangers with 34), and 50 Scottish League Cups (Rangers with 28 and Celtic with 22). As of 10 May 2026, Celtic and Rangers have played each other 452 times in major competitions; both clubs have won 172 matches each, with 108 ending in a draw. The rivalry has reflected and contributed to political, social and religious division and sectarianism in Scotland. Celtic's support was largely from those of Irish Roman Catholic backgrounds; Rangers' traditional support was largely from the Protestant community, and for decades the club had an unwritten rule whereby they would not knowingly sign a player of the Catholic faith. The policy was decried by Graeme Souness when he became manager, and he brought ex-Celtic forward Mo Johnston to the club in a very public move away from the practice, which no longer continues.

Did You Know?

• The Old Firm rivalry has roots in Northern Ireland-related politics, with Celtic fans more likely to wave the Irish tricolour and Rangers fans tending to wave the Union Jack.
• In the early 2010s, Rangers endured financial difficulties, and its holding company was liquidated in 2012; subsequently, the club had to apply for entry to the bottom (fourth) tier of the Scottish league.
• In 2005 the presence of Rangers and Celtic was estimated to be worth £120 million to the Scottish economy each year.