The Celtic-Rangers Rivalry: A Century-Old Battle for Supremacy
A Historical Perspective
The Old Firm rivalry, one of the most intense and enduring in world football, has its roots in the late 19th century. The first meeting between Celtic and Rangers took place on May 28, 1888, at Celtic's Parkhead ground, with Celtic emerging victorious 5-2.Social and Religious Divisions
The rivalry between the two clubs is inextricably linked to the social and religious divisions within Scottish society at the time. Celtic was founded in 1888 by Irish immigrants, predominantly Catholics, while Rangers was established a year earlier by Protestant businessmen. These sectarian differences have played a significant role in fueling the rivalry over the years.
Modern Era
The rivalry continued to intensify in the modern era, with both clubs enjoying periods of dominance. Celtic won the league title for nine consecutive seasons from 1965-66 to 1973-74, while Rangers had a similar run of success from 1989-90 to 1996-97. The rivalry reached its peak in the 1990s and early 2000s, with both clubs regularly challenging for the league title and European trophies.
Conclusion
The Celtic-Rangers rivalry remains one of the most passionate and intense in world football. Despite the passage of time, the social and religious divisions that fueled the rivalry in its early days continue to resonate today. The rivalry is a testament to the enduring power of football to evoke strong emotions and create fiercely devoted supporters. As the two clubs continue to battle for supremacy, the rivalry will undoubtedly continue to captivate fans for generations to come.
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