The moments that made the Old Firm derby
These are the moments that have defined the Old Firm derby over the years.
A rivalry spanning 128 years, the Old Firm has evolved into one of the biggest derbies in world football. As both sides gear up for the latest instalment in the Scottish Cup on Monday (AEDT), we took a look back at the moments that created Old Firm folklore.
1909 Rangers 2-2 Celtic (Replay Rangers 1-1 Celtic)
Dubbed the ‘League cup no-one won’ when the Scottish Football Association (SFA) had to hold back the trophy after violence erupted at Hampden Park.
The first match ended in a 2-2 draw, prompting a replay a week later and with the scores locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, fans thought they would be headed for extra time.
However, competition rules only permitted extra time after two replays. When fans found out a third replay had to be played, a riot ensued as fans accused the SFA of match fixing to increase ticket revenue.
After fans clashed with police, both clubs requested not to play the third replay and the winner’s trophy was withheld.
1969 Celtic 4-0 Rangers
More than 132,870 fans squashed into Hampden park to watch Celtic clinch the treble with a win over its bitter foe. He wouldn't brag about it, but former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was part of a Rangers attacking line-up which had no answers for a dominant Celtic side.
It was the Hoops' first Scottish Cup win over Rangers in 65 years.
1980 Celtic 1-0 Rangers, the Hampden Park riot
It wasn’t the first Hampden park riot this fixture has seen, but it was certainly one of the worst.
Rioting fans hurled bottles, missiles and fists as police on horseback clashed with charging fans as Hampden park began to resemble a scene from Braveheart.
Both clubs were fined $32,000 for the horrific scenes and an Alcohol ban across Scottish grounds was introduced, which is still stands today.
1987 Rangers 2-2 Celtic
Three red cards, 62 arrests and four players charged with breaching the peace – this Old Firm derby erupted when a fight broke out between Frank McAvennie and Chris Woods.
After Terry Butcher and Graham Roberts came flying in, a riot ensued in the stands. All four players were charged with breaching the peace, Roberts and McAvennie were found not guilty, while Woods and Butcher were fined.
1998 – Gazza stokes the fire
In 1998, Rangers was on the brink of winning its 10th successive league title and tensions in this Old Firm derby were at an all-time high.
Rangers midfielder Paul Gascoigne was never been one to tread lightly, and set fire to this derby with an offensive gesture to Celtic fans, mocking the club’s catholic roots.
Gascoigne impersonated someone playing ‘The Sash’ a song played by flute commemorating William of Orange’s victory in the 17th century Willamite War.
"Their fans were giving me so much abuse for 80 minutes that I decided to do it again, and I got a death threat afterwards! It’s unbelievable that one guy can upset 60,000 fans," Gascoigne said.
The live wire midfielder was fined $65,000 and probably hasn't set foot in the green side of Glasgow since.
SPL: 1999 Celtic 0-3 Rangers
Rangers had the chance to clinch the league title at Celtic Park against a Celtic side featuring former Socceroos captain Mark Viduka, but it was Referee Hugh Dallas who stole headlines.
Dallas had the dauting task of controlling proceedings and a string of controverstial decisions tipped fans over the edge. Dallas sent off Celtic’s Stephane Mahe, before a coin was thrown from Celtic’s supporters bay striking the referee in the head.
Play stopped as Dallas lay on the ground bleeding and soon after receiving treatment, he awarded Rangers a controversial penalty.
Rangers went on to win the game and the league title, while Dallas received death threats and his home was attacked.
2008 Celtic 2-4 Rangers
Rangers striker Kenny Miller bagged a double against his former club, while Pedro Mendez's goal of the season winner capped off a spite-filled encounter.
There was a glimmer of hope for Celtic when Daniel Cousin was sent off in the 75th minute, but the Hoops’ numerical advantage only lasted a seconds as substitute Vennegoor of Hasselink was sent for lashing out at Kirk Broadfoot before he had broken a sweat.
