Why are Celtic and Rangers rivals?
Celtic and Rangers are the most successful in Scottish football, but that’s only one facet of their heated, deep-seated rivalry with one another. Their rivalry is rooted in a divide of views regarding religion, identity and politics, as well their relationship with Ireland, particularly Northern Ireland.
Do Protestants play for Celtic?
The very foundations of the two Glasgow football clubs are built on the religious division between Catholicism and Protestantism. Traditionally, Rangers supporters are Protestant while Celtic fans support the Catholic Church.
Why do Rangers get called zombies?
The new club was thus christened Zombie Rangers by opposition fans, a term popularised by the Celtic Underground podcast. The reason was to highlight the death of the old club and the real status of the rejuvenated club.
What do Celtic and Rangers have in common?
The clubs’ identities were shaped in direct opposition to each other, with Celtic associated with socialism and Irish Republicanism, Rangers with conservatism and Northern Irish unionism.
What happened to the Rangers-Celtic rivalry?
The signing of former Celtic player Mo Johnston in 1989 brought Rangers’ boycott of Catholic players to an end. For a time it seemed as if the religious-inspired rancour was being pushed to the margins in their rivalry in a more secular society.
Are Celtic or Rangers better in the Scottish Derby?
While Celtic have dominated Scottish football for the last decade or so – due to Rangers’ financial difficulties and subsequent demotions – the Light Blues have actually enjoyed the larger share of the spoils since the dawn of this derby. But boy is it close.
What is the relationship like between Rangers and Northern Ireland football clubs?
At first, relations between the two clubs were cordial, with Rangers supplying the opposition for their neighbours’ first game. However, the opening of a huge shipyard in Govan, just a short walk from Rangers’ Ibrox home, by industrial firm Harland and Wolff, saw an influx of workers from Belfast in the 1910s.