Celtic vs Rangers

Lore & Background

The origin of the term 'Old Firm' 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. 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

The air inside Celtic Park is thick enough to taste, a mixture of damp wool, stale beer, and the electric hum of eighty thousand voices. On one side, the green and white shirts chant with the fervor of a prayer; on the other, the blue and white at Ibrox roar back with equal volume. A single ball sits on the center spot, innocent and still, unaware that it is about to become the focal point of a century-old war. The referee blows his whistle, not just to start a match, but to ignite a fire that has burned since 1888.

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.

Did You Know?

• The rivalry has reflected and contributed to political, social and religious division and sectarianism in Scotland.
• 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.