Atlantica - 01.01.2004, Page 29

CELTIC AND RANGERS – ‘THE OLD
FIRM’ as they are collectively
known – are the twin giants domi-
nating Scottish football. On the days
when they face each other, the unfold-
ing spectacle dominates Scottish life
almost to the point of a standstill.
Regardless of date, time, weather or
opposition, when these teams play at
home, it is to crowds better described as
fanatics than supporters.
The Old Firm square up four times a
season in the league and habitually
meet each other in at least one of the
two cup competitions. Surprisingly, this
familiarity doesn’t breed contempt so
much as re-confirms its brooding pres-
ence. Scotland’s biggest football fixture
is steeped in history, a rich sporting tra-
dition that also embraces Glasgow’s
social, economic, religious and political
divides.
Celtic was formed by Brother Walfrid
Kerins in 1888 as a charity to benefit
Irish immigrant children in the East End
of Glasgow. These immigrants were
looked upon as second-class citizens
and most were living in poverty. The
club was named to emphasise these
newcomers’ immigrant identity, and to
this day Celtic’s support remains pre-
dominantly Catholic and of Irish
descent. Rangers were formed in 1873,
and in contrast to their cross-city rivals,
their support would stereotypically be
Protestant, royalist and often with links
to the Masonic Order, protective of their
economic and social advantages. The
teams are known collectively as ‘The
Old Firm’ precisely because, despite
their rivalry, they’ve historically worked
together for mutual benefit. Recently
they combined forces to lobby unsuc-
cessfully for a move to the English
Premiership and for an Atlantic League,
which would provide them both with
lucrative ties against similarly presti-
gious opposition.
Not all Old Firm fans comply with
stereotypes, but while many clubs call
on historical associations to attract sup-
port in Glasgow, to support either side
of the Old Firm is understood as a reflec-
tion of a religious, cultural and political
world view.
On match day these affiliations and
prejudices are openly displayed. The
street traders selling bootlegged sou-
venirs in team colours also sell mer-
chandise advocating terrorist organisa-
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