Old Firm Derby History & Rivalry
This weekend Ange Postecoglou will get his first taste of the Old Firm Derby, the fiercest rivalry in football. No Celtic manager has won at Ibrox in their Old Firm derby debut for almost 30 years, with Celtic also failing to win in any of their last six derbies, losing all three times they visited Ibrox last season.
We take a look at some of the biggest games and moments that have made the rivalry what it is today.
1909 (Celtic 2-2 Rangers, Celtic 1-1 Rangers)
In 1909 Scottish cup final between the two clubs ended 2-2, prompting a replay. The final replay also ended in a draw, and after it became clear to the crowd that the game would not go into extra-time and the clubs would in fact have to play a third match, they became very restless. After the first match ended in a draw, there was speculation that the results were being fixed to generate more matchday revenue with replay fixtures, and after the replay also ended level, the fans had enough. There was a massive pitch invasion, fires were lit, goal posts were torn down and the pitch was ripped up. The third match was never scheduled and the 1909 Scottish league cup was never won.
1931 (Celtic 0-0 Rangers)
1931 was a tragic day in old firm history. Going into the match there were only 2 points separating the two sides, with 80,000 fans in attendance there was so much riding on this match. The match went into half-time 0-0 and was a tense affair. 5 minutes after the restart, Rangers forward, Jimmy Fleming slipped a ball through to Sam English who was 1 on 1 with the Celtic keeper. John Thomson came off his line and whilst attempting to save he was struck in the head by the knee of English, knocking him unconscious. Thomson was rushed to hospital in need of emergency surgery which was unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead that evening, with 30,000 people attending the funeral 4 days later.
1957 (Celtic 7-1 Rangers)
The 1957 league cup final saw the greatest ever victory in an Old Firm Derby with Celtic winning 7-1. The 1957 Scottish League cup final was the first time the clubs had played each other in the final of the competition. Rangers were under the pump from the off, managing to go in to half-time only 2-0 down. The match later became a rout, with Celtic scoring another 5 in the second half.
1980 (Celtic 1-0 Rangers)
In 1980, it was Aberdeen who had won the Scottish league title, leaving the Scottish cup the only chance of silverware for the old firm as they met in the final. The match finishes 0-0 after 90 and Celtic scored the only goal of the game in extra-time, this match is remembered most for what took place after the final whistle however. As Celtic went over to celebrate with their fans some of them made their way onto the pitch. One Celtic fan travelled the length of the ground to kick a ball into the net in front of the away end which didn’t go down well.
In response, The Rangers fans invaded the pitch and ran towards the Celtic Fans. Soon enough; Bricks, bottles and cans were being thrown along with fans using iron bars and planks of wood ripped from the terrace to hit each other. The riot resulted in over 200 arrests and a ban on alcohol at Scottish football matches which stands to this day.
1987 (Celtic 2-2 Rangers)
Celtic and Rangers played at the Ibrox in October 1987 in front of 45,000 fans. In the 17th minute, Celtic’s Frank McAvennie and Rangers Goalkeeper Chris Woods were both sent off following an altercation and Celtic went into the break 2-0 up. Rangers went down to 9 men in the second half, after Terry Butcher fouled the Celtic keeper, leaving rangers 2 goals and 1 man down.
Rangers rallied together and pulled one back through Ally McCoist leading to a tense finale. Against all the odds, Richard Gough scored a 90th minute equaliser and the crowd erupted. The police launched an inquiry into the match in the days after, leading to Woods, McAvennie, Butcher and Graham Roberts facing court for a beach of peace.
1999 (Celtic 0-3 Rangers)
The 1998/99 Scottish league title was won by Rangers when they beat Celtic 3-0 at Celtic Park, the first time either of the Old Firm had won the title at their rivals ground in over 100 years. Two Celtic player; Mahe and Riseth were both send off along with Rangers' Rod Wallace who refused to leave the field initially and then to go in tears, swinging a punch towards a policeman as he went down the tunnel.
There were also three separate incidents where Celtic fans invaded the pitch and Referee Hugh Dallas was hit by a coin which he required medical attention for.
2011 (Celtic 1-0 Rangers)
In 2011 the Old Firm played off in a 5th round Scottish cup tie which included 10 yellow cards and three sending offs. Ranger’s Whittaker was sent off for a reckless challenge which provoked a fiery exchange between Striker Diouf and the Celtic Bench, with Rangers assistant Mccoist and Celtic Manager Neil Lennon both receiving warnings for their part in the exchange. At halftime the drama continued with the sides clashing in the tunnel and after the match McCoist and Lennon had to be separated after coming to blows again.
2012 (Celtic 3-0 Rangers)
In 2012 Rangers were hit with administration making this the last match the Old Firm would play against each other. The victory for Celtic meant that the lead in the league had stretched to 21 points, well ahead of Rangers who would still be a fair way behind had they not been docked points for going into administration. Ally McCoist and his Rangers side left the field looking distraught with the taunts of the Celtic fans and chants suggesting that this might be the last-ever Old Firm derby should Rangers go out of business.
2016 (Rangers 2-2 Celtic, Rangers 5-4 Celtic Penalties)
Rangers were through to the Scottish Cup Final after a thrilling semi-final against Celtic. Aussie Tom Rogic equalised in extra-time taking the tie to penalties where he blazed over from the spot, handing Rangers the win. It was the first time the Scottish Cup Final would be contested by two sides not in the Scottish top division, with Rangers still in the middle of making their way back.
2018 (Rangers 1-0 Celtic)
In 2018, Rangers were back in the top division, and back in the title race under Steven Gerrard. At a pumping Ibrox, Rangers moved level on points at the top of table with Celtic with Gerard inflicting Brendan Rodgers’ first defeat in an Old Firm derby in 13 games.
Will Ange make history or will Rangers continue to dominate the Old Firm fixture? Let us know, and if you're Keen to cop some colours this week ahead of Ange's first Old Firm Grab the Celtic 21/22 home jersey in store at Ultra HQ in Sydney or online now.
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