Old Firm rivalry Celtic F.C. supporters

celtic s traditional rivals rangers; collectively, 2 clubs known old firm. 2 have dominated scottish football s history; between them, have won scottish league championship 100 times since inception in 1890 – other clubs combined have won 19 championships.

the rivalry between teams has various ethnic, religious , political associations, in celtic associated irish catholic origins , rangers scotland s protestant , british unionist communities. report prepared glasgow city council in 2003 found 74% of celtic supporters described roman catholic , 10% protestant. rangers supporters, figures 5% , 65% respectively.

clubs have attracted support of opposing factions in political difficulties of northern ireland, intensified rivalry in scotland. anti-sectarian charity nil mouth notes supporters use songs, chants , banners on match days express abuse or support towards protestant or catholic faiths , proclaim support northern irish-based terrorist groups such ira , uvf. study in 2008 university of strathclyde found old firm rivalry linked conflict in northern ireland .

there have been 400 old firm matches played of 2015. games have been described having atmosphere of hatred, religious tension , intimidation continues lead violence in communities across scotland. rivalry has fuelled many assaults , deaths on old firm derby days. admissions hospital emergency rooms have been reported increase ninefold on normal levels , journalist franklin foer noted in period 1996 2003, 8 deaths in glasgow directly linked old firm matches, , hundreds of assaults.

occurrences of serious crowd trouble between celtic , rangers supporters stretches far 1909 scottish cup final, contested 2 sides. tie went replay after first match ended in 2–2 draw. replayed match ended in draw (1–1) after 90 minutes. despite public expectations, no time played , in response thousands of supporters both sides invaded pitch vent frustration, causing £1000 of damage (a substantial sum in 1900s). both clubs petitioned scottish football association have tie abandoned , demands met when officials decided match not replayed. cup , medals withheld year.

both sets of fans fought on-pitch battle in aftermath of celtic s 1–0 victory in 1980 scottish cup final @ hampden park. in january 1988, mark walters became first black footballer play rangers; made debut in old firm game @ parkhead , subjected racial taunts celtic fans, of whom threw bananas towards pitch. there serious fan disorder during old firm match played in may 1999 @ celtic park; missiles thrown celtic fans, including 1 struck referee hugh dallas, needed medical treatment, , small number of fans invaded pitch.

sectarianism

both clubs have taken measures reduce sectarianism. in 1996 celtic launched bhoys against bigotry campaign, later followed youth against bigotry educate young on having ... respect aspects of community — races, colours, creeds . celtic partnered rangers form old firm alliance in 2005, initiative aimed @ educating children across glasgow issues healthy eating , fitness, awareness of anti-social behaviour, sectarianism , racism.

in march 2008, uefa investigated celtic fans alleged sectarian singing @ match against barcelona. case dropped before end of month due lack of evidence. in november 2011, celtic again under investigation uefa alleged offensive chants fans during europa league game against rennes. on occasion uefa found celtic fans have been guilty of illicit chanting , fined club £12,700.

in april 2012, general secretary of celtic supporters association said genuinely sorry after tweeting problem protestant workers built titanic didn t sail on .