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, 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 (although others from that group, such as Heart of Midlothian and St Mirren, also continue to play at the highest level to this day). 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.

Reader's Guide

Celtic and Rangers have played each other 454 times in major competitions; Rangers have won 174 matches, Celtic 172, and 108 ended in a draw. 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).

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.