Inception of the Old Firm Rivalry
The Old Firm: A rivalry born fifteen years apart.
Rangers Football Club was founded in March 1872 by four teenage boys in Glasgow, Scotland. Celtic was established in 1887, making the clubs fifteen years apart in founding. Their first match took place in 1888, a friendly won 5–2 by Celtic.
Quick Facts
- First meeting date
- May 28, 1888
- Venue of first match
- Cathkin Park
- Result of first match
- Rangers 5 - 4 Celtic
- Founding year of rangers
- 1872
Lore & Background
The rivalry between Rangers and Celtic, known as the Old Firm, is considered one of the world's biggest football derbies. It is linked to sectarianism in Glasgow, with Rangers and its fanbase associated with Protestantism and British unionism. Rangers had a policy from the First World War until the late 1980s of refusing to employ Catholic players and staff.
Reader's Guide
Rangers' home ground is Ibrox Stadium, opened in 1929 and designed by Archibald Leitch. The club has always played in royal blue shirts. Rangers have won the Scottish League title 55 times, the Scottish Cup 34 times, and the Scottish League Cup a record 28 times.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in Rangers FC
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