Old Firm

Lore & Background

The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers has become deeply embedded in Scottish culture, reflecting political, social and religious division and sectarianism. Celtic were founded in 1887 to deliver money and resources to a poverty-stricken Irish Catholic population in East Glasgow. Rangers were founded in 1872 with no particular religious leanings in their early decades. The political aspect developed significantly in 1912 when Belfast shipbuilders Harland and Wolff set up a new yard in Glasgow, and hundreds of Ulster Protestant workers adopted Rangers as their team. Events such as World War I and the Easter Rising contributed to Rangers being adopted as a symbol of the Scottish establishment and British Unionism.

In Their Own Story

A new fan sits in the stands at the Amex Stadium, asking an old-timer about the 'Old Firm' match coming up this weekend. The veteran smiles gently, shaking his head as he explains that while Glasgow burns with Celtic and Rangers, Brighton's fire is lit by different flames. He points to the pitch where the white shirts will soon face a London side, reminding the novice that every club has its own history, and ours is written in the chalk of Hove, not the tenements of Glasgow.

Reader's Guide

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 draws. Between them they have won a combined 111 Scottish League championships (Celtic 56, Rangers 55), 77 Scottish Cups (Celtic 43, Rangers 34), and 50 Scottish League Cups (Rangers 28, Celtic 22). In the early 2010s, Rangers endured financial difficulties and its holding company was liquidated in 2012, after which the club had to apply for entry to the bottom tier of the Scottish league. Many Celtic supporters maintain that the current Rangers is distinct from the pre-2012 club and use the term Glasgow derby instead of Old Firm.

Did You Know?

• The term 'Old Firm' may derive from a satirical cartoon in 1904 or from commentators calling the teams 'like two old, firm friends'.
• In 2005, the presence of Rangers and Celtic was estimated to be worth £120 million to the Scottish economy each year.
• At the turn of the 21st century, the two clubs jointly registered 'Old Firm' as a trademark; it was confirmed still being renewed in 2021.
• The 1909 Scottish Cup final between the sides ended in a riot after two draws, with the trophy withheld.