THE rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is one of the most intense and storied in world football. For over a century, these Glasgow giants have battled for supremacy, producing countless memorable encounters that have shaped Scottish football history. This fierce rivalry not only captures the passion of football fans but also consistently increases betting odds.
Based on recent history and current form, Celtic generally has a slight edge over Rangers in betting odds for their matches on various sports betting platforms listed by bestoffshoresportsbooks.ltd, especially when playing at home. For example, in September 2024, Celtic was favored at 8/13 odds to win at home.
Celtic has had a strong record against Rangers lately, going undefeated in their five meetings in the 23/24 season. While Rangers may have slightly better odds at times, Celtic is expected to maintain a small advantage in the odds for their upcoming January 2, 2025 match. However, the odds are typically close, reflecting the competitive nature of this historic rivalry.
The Birth of a Rivalry: 1888
The first official meeting between Celtic and Rangers took place in 1888, with Celtic emerging victorious 5-21. While this friendly match lacked the intensity of later encounters, it laid the foundation for what would become one of football’s greatest rivalries. The clubs’ contrasting identities – Celtic’s Irish Catholic roots and Rangers’ Protestant associations – added an extra layer of complexity to their on-field competition.
The 1957 Scottish League Cup Final: Celtic’s Record-Breaking Victory
One of the most lopsided encounters in Old Firm history occurred in the 1957 Scottish League Cup Final. Celtic demolished Rangers 7-1, setting a record for the largest margin of victory in a British domestic cup final that still stands today. This emphatic win, led by the legendary Jock Stein, marked a turning point in Celtic’s fortunes and foreshadowed their dominance in the 1960s.
The 1969 Scottish Cup Final: The “Hampden Riot”
The 1969 Scottish Cup Final is remembered not for the quality of football, but for the chaos that ensued after Celtic’s 4-0 victory. Thousands of Rangers fans invaded the pitch, leading to violent clashes with police and Celtic supporters. The incident, known as the “Hampden Riot,” resulted in significant changes to security measures at Scottish football matches and highlighted the darker side of the Old Firm rivalry. This event prompted authorities to reassess crowd control strategies and implement stricter regulations to prevent future occurrences of such large-scale disorder at football grounds.
The 1980 Scottish Cup Final: Another Pitch Invasion
History repeated itself in the 1980 Scottish Cup Final when Celtic’s 1-0 victory sparked another pitch invasion. This time, supporters from both sides clashed on the field, resulting in mounted police intervention and numerous arrests. The incident led to a temporary ban on alcohol sales at Scottish football grounds and underscored the need for improved security measures1.
The 1999 “Shame Game”
On May 2, 1999, Celtic and Rangers met in a match that would go down in infamy as the “Shame Game.” With the league title at stake, tensions were already high. The match at Celtic Park descended into chaos with three red cards, the referee struck by a coin, a controversial penalty-kick award to the visitors and numerous touchline confrontations. Rangers won 3-0, but the match is remembered more for its ugly scenes than the football played.
The 2008 UEFA Cup Final Run
While not a direct Old Firm clash, Rangers’ run to the 2008 UEFA Cup Final deserves mention for its impact on the rivalry. Rangers’ European success that season, which included victories over sporting giants like Werder Bremen and Fiorentina, brought pride to their supporters and raised the profile of Scottish football. Although they ultimately lost the final to Zenit St. Petersburg, this European campaign remains a high point in Rangers’ modern history.
The 2012 Financial Crisis and Rangers in Fourth Tier
The 2011-12 season marked a seismic shift in the Old Firm dynamic. Rangers entered administration due to financial difficulties and had to re-apply for membership to the league before starting again at the fourth tier of Scottish football. This led to a four-year absence of derby league matches, dramatically altering the Scottish football landscape.
The Return of the Glasgow Derby: 2016
After a four-year hiatus in league competition, the Old Firm derby returned in full force for the 2016-17 season. The anticipation was palpable as Rangers, having climbed back through the divisions, once again faced Celtic in the top flight. While Celtic dominated in the early encounters following Rangers’ return, the rivalry quickly regained its intensity.
The 2021 “Invincibles” Season
In the 2020-21 season, Rangers, under the management of Steven Gerrard, ended Celtic’s nine-year reign as Scottish champions. Not only did they secure the title, but they did so in spectacular fashion, going the entire league season unbeaten, a feat not achieved in the Scottish top flight since the 19th century. This “Invincibles” season marked a significant power shift in Scottish football and reignited the competitive balance of the Old Firm rivalry.
Conclusion
The Glasgow rivalry shows no signs of losing its intensity. Both Celtic and Rangers continue to dominate Scottish football, with their encounters often deciding the destination of domestic trophies. The rivalry has also taken on a new dimension in recent years, with both clubs striving for success in European competitions.
The world famous derby remains more than just a football match. It’s a cultural event that divides and unites Glasgow, a manifestation of historical, religious, and social tensions that have defined the city for generations. As Celtic and Rangers continue to write new chapters in their storied rivalry, fans can expect more unforgettable moments.
