Is there a more intense football rivalry than that between Glasgow Celtic and Glasgow Rangers? These two teams, despite not having the city in their official names, engage in one of the fiercest matches between clubs from the same city in the world. In fact, it can be argued that the fierce contest between Liverpool and Manchester United is the only intercity match that comes close to the intensity of the Old Firm.
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Celtic and Rangers are the most successful football clubs in Scotland, often mentioned when discussing the possibility of Scottish Premiership teams competing in the English Premier League. While it is true that the Premier League is stronger than the Scottish top-flight, Celtic and Rangers could hold their own against most Premier League teams. Let’s take a closer look at these two clubs and the stadiums they call home.
Celtic – Celtic Park (1.90 Miles to George Square)
The Celtic Football Club, founded in 1887, has a unique origin story. The club was established by an Irish Marist named Brother Walfrid with the aim of raising funds for the Poor Children’s Dinner Table, a charity that helped underprivileged children in Glasgow’s East End. Interestingly, Celtic’s first-ever match was a friendly against Rangers, which they won 5-2.
Celtic’s success story began with their first trophy win in 1892 when they emerged victorious in the Scottish Cup, just five years after their formation. The following year, they clinched their first Scottish championship. Since then, Celtic has amassed an impressive record of 47 additional titles. Celtic Park, their home stadium since 1892, has witnessed numerous memorable matches, including the legendary game against Rangers on New Year’s Day 1938, which drew a crowd of 83,500 spectators.
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The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers goes beyond their success on the pitch. Celtic has traditionally had predominantly Irish and Scottish supporters with a strong Roman Catholic background, while Rangers attracted fans with a Protestant background from Northern Ireland who often identify with British Unionism. This religious and political divide has sometimes led to tensions during Old Firm matches.
Rangers – Ibrox Stadium (2.35 Miles to George Square)
Rangers, founded in 1872, is Scotland’s most successful football club with 54 top-flight titles to their name as of now. They hold the record for the most league titles and domestic trebles won by any club worldwide. Although the Scottish league may not be as competitive as other leagues, Rangers’ achievements deserve recognition.
Rangers’ journey hasn’t been without challenges. After the turn of the millennium, the club faced severe financial difficulties, eventually leading to liquidation in 2012. As a result, they were expelled from the Scottish top-flight and had to start from the bottom, working their way up through the divisions. The decision to allow Rangers to retain their trophy haul sparked controversy, as other clubs had previously been stripped of titles in similar circumstances.
Ibrox Stadium, home to Rangers, has witnessed remarkable moments in football history. The record-breaking attendance of 118,567 for an Old Firm game in 1939 and the crowd of 143,570 that turned up to watch Rangers play Hibernian in 1948 are testaments to the club’s passionate fan base. Rangers also made history in 1961 by becoming the first British side to reach the final of a UEFA tournament, narrowly missing out on the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
While Rangers’ on-pitch successes are noteworthy, it is the religiously fueled rivalry between the two Glasgow clubs that often takes center stage.
Queen’s Park – Hampden Park (2.44 Miles to George Square)
Queen’s Park, founded in 1867, is a unique club in Scottish football. Their motto, “Ludere Causa Ludendi,” translates to “To play for the sake of playing.” As the only amateur club competing in the Scottish Professional Football League, Queen’s Park holds a special place in the sport. Among Scottish clubs, excluding those from England and Wales, Queen’s Park is the oldest football club. They even reached the FA Cup final in 1884 and 1885, a time when the competition’s rules were not yet fully formalized.
Despite not winning the Scottish Cup since 1893, Queen’s Park boasts an impressive record, having won the trophy more times than any other club except Celtic and Rangers. The club’s name originated from the Queen’s Park Recreation Ground, where they initially played their matches. They moved to Hampden Park in 1873, an enclosed ground that eventually became their permanent home in 1884. The current Hampden Park, built in 1903, has a capacity of 51,866 and is now primarily used for Scottish national team matches. Queen’s Park, with an average attendance of around 750, continues to play their football in this historic stadium.
Queen’s Park deserves mention not for their rivalry with Celtic or Rangers, as such a rivalry does not exist, but for their long-standing presence and historical significance. Hampden Park, once the largest football stadium in the world until 1950, has witnessed significant moments in Scottish and international football.
FAQs
1. What is the Old Firm rivalry?
The Old Firm rivalry refers to the intense football rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, the two most successful clubs in Glasgow. It is one of the fiercest and most passionate rivalries in the world of football.
2. How many titles have Celtic and Rangers won?
Celtic has won 47 Scottish titles, while Rangers holds the record with 54 top-flight titles. Together, they have won over 100 titles, an astonishing achievement for two clubs from the same city.
3. What is the capacity of Celtic Park?
Celtic Park has a capacity of approximately 60,411 spectators, making it one of the largest football stadiums in the United Kingdom.
4. How did Rangers overcome financial difficulties?
After going into liquidation in 2012, Rangers faced financial challenges and were expelled from the Scottish top-flight. They started from the fourth-tier of Scottish football and worked their way back up the divisions.
5. What is the capacity of Hampden Park?
Hampden Park, the historic stadium in Glasgow, has a capacity of 51,866. It is primarily used for national team matches, but Queen’s Park also plays their games at this iconic venue.
Conclusion
Glasgow is home to two of Scotland’s most successful football clubs, Celtic and Rangers. Their intense rivalry, known as the Old Firm, is characterized by passionate matches and a deep-rooted historical and religious divide. Celtic Park and Ibrox Stadium, the respective home grounds of Celtic and Rangers, have witnessed countless thrilling moments throughout their storied histories.
Additionally, Queen’s Park, the oldest football club in Scotland, still plays its matches at Hampden Park, a historic stadium with a rich heritage. The capacity of these stadiums and the dedication of fans have contributed to the vibrant football culture in Glasgow.
Whether you’re a supporter of Celtic, Rangers, or simply a fan of football, Glasgow’s football clubs and stadiums offer an experience like no other. The rich history, fierce rivalries, and passionate fan bases make it a city that truly lives and breathes the beautiful game.
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