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Celtic vs Rangers: Top 5 Old Firm Derby Moments

Celtic Park
© Stephen Sweeney - licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
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Check out the most memorable moments in the history of the Celtic vs Rangers rivalry, from dramatic last-minute goals to controversial incidents.

The Old Firm Derby between Celtic and Rangers is no ordinary match-up.

This is a clash of epic proportions that has produced legendary moments that football fans will never forget. From nail-biting finishes to jaw-dropping goals, the Old Firm Derby has it all.

Join us as we relive some of the most iconic moments in the history of this epic Scottish Premiership rivalry. Feel the drama, get swept up in the passion, and witness the raw emotions that define this fierce battle.

Celtic 6-2 Rangers (2000)

The Old Firm game from August 2000 is still talked about today, mainly because of Henrik Larsson’s unforgettable goal.

It was a game that had all the excitement – Chris Sutton scored twice on his debut and assisted in Larsson’s incredible chipped goal that sealed the win. However, there were some controversial moments, including a red card for Barry Ferguson and some questionable goals.

The Shame Game

The heated Old Firm match of October 1987 left a lot of bad blood and chaos in its wake. Three red cards were brandished and over 60 arrests were made.

The aftermath involved a courtroom drama, as four players faced charges of breaching the peace. Rangers’ Chris Woods, Terry Butcher, and Graham Roberts, along with Celtic’s Frank McAvennie, were all implicated.

The trial dragged on for days. Eventually, Butcher and Woods got slapped with convictions and fines, while Roberts narrowly escaped conviction. McAvennie, on the other hand, was found not guilty. It was a tumultuous event that left a lasting impression on the game’s history.

Scottish Cup Final 1980

The 1980 Scottish Cup final saw Celtic defeat Rangers 1-0 after extra time. However, the celebration turned sour when supporters from both sides started to riot.

Celtic fans rushed onto the pitch, with one brave soul scoring a goal at the Rangers’ end. Meanwhile, some Rangers fans stayed behind and charged at the Celtic fans.

The violence escalated as bricks, bottles, and even makeshift weapons were thrown. As a result of this untoward incident, the Scottish authorities banned the sale of alcohol at sporting events in the country.

Celtic 3-0 Rangers (2012)

The Old Firm derby in July 2012 marked the end of an era for Rangers football club. Despite their bitter rivals Celtic triumphing on the pitch, it was the fans who stole the show with a stunning display of mockery directed toward their now-defunct opponents.

Just a few months later, Rangers entered liquidation, forcing them to start anew from the bottom of Scottish football. A testament to the power of rivalry and the ups and downs of the beautiful game.

Johnston’s Old Firm Derby winner

Mo Johnston, a former Celtic striker, made history when he became the first high-profile Roman Catholic to join the Rangers.

However, despite his talent, Johnston struggled to win over the die-hard Rangers fans. But all that changed when he scored a last-minute Old Firm victory in 1989, stirring up a frenzy of celebration among the home supporters at Ibrox.

Everyone knows Mo Johnston’s story – the triumph, the legacy, and the moment that made him a legend in the eyes of the Rangers faithful.

File:Celtic Park, Parkhead, Glasgow – geograph.org.uk – 589191.jpg” by Stephen Sweeney is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

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