This isn’t just football — it’s a rivalry that splits families and cities
So… What Actually Is the Old Firm?
Right, for anyone who doesn't know, the Old Firm is the name given to the fitba (football) rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, the two biggest clubs in Glesga (Glasgow).
Now when people say rivalry, they usually mean something like two teams that don't really like each other.
The Old Firm though… that's a whole different level man.
We're talking about a rivalry that's been going on for well over a hundred years. Two huge clubs, two massive fanbases, and a city that basically splits right doon the middle whenever they play.
When an Old Firm match is on, Glesga feels different. Pubs are packed, scarves are everywhere, and half the city is either buzzing or absolutely raging depending on how the game goes.
It's not just another fitba match.
Is It Really That Big?
Short answer?
Aye… it kind of is.
If you’re not from Scotland, it might just look like another fitba rivalry. Two teams, a big match, a lot of noise.
But in Glesga it’s a wee bit different.
The city basically splits into two camps. Families support one side or the other, mates argue about it constantly, and when the match is on the whole place feels a wee bit more tense than usual.
Pubs are packed, scarves are everywhere, and you’ll hear folk talking about the game for days before and after it happens.
Even people who don't really follow fitba usually know when an Old Firm match is happening. You can feel it in the atmosphere.
So is it really that big?
Aye… I'd say it probably is.
I don't really get that intense feeling around the fitba anymore. But growing up, right into my adulthood, Old Firm days… man, they churned my fucking stomach.
It was like someone ripped my guts out and shoved them in a tumble dryer.
And I'm not even talking about match day itself — I'm talking about the days leading up to it.
You just fucking knew the team going out there had to win. Nae two ways about it.
You'd hear people yapping in work about it, or around the shops etc and you just wanted to go rip their face off if they said sumfin about your team!
But for me, I've tried so hard to distance myself from fitba, I'll say a wee bit more about that down a bit.
Picking a Side in Glasgow
Right, so there isn’t really much choice in the matter when it comes to the team you support. Most of the time you're basically given one at birth - slight exaggeration there.
It usually comes down to your family and where you're from.
Some kids might grow up and derail onto the other side, but for most folk it sticks.
For me, my dad was a massive Celtic fan. He grew up through the Lisbon Lions era and absolutely loved the club.
Because of him and his passion for Celtic, that’s the team I ended up supporting too.
I went to matches, travelled away for games, and even went abroad with Celtic a couple of times.
So aye… my team was always going to be Celtic.
Match Day
Oh boy… match days.
For days you've been stewing, waiting for this fucking match to come. And then suddenly it's here.
You're settled down, watching the build-up on the tele, or you're making your way to the stadium. Either way, the atmosphere is intense beyond belief.
Your stomach is churning like mad. You know that feeling you get before a big job interview? Now imagine that… times ten.
I ain't kidding — match days are just damn right brutal, but fucking braw at the same time!
Then the match starts.
The fans are roaring, songs are being belted out at the top of people's lungs, everything's bouncing. Hearts are racing, you're on the edge of your seat, barely breathing.
You're absolutely terrified…
but at the same time you're completely euphoric.
You can almost tell which way the match is going just by how your team starts. Sometimes you get that gut feeling you're the top baws around here…
or that you're going home with a slapped arse.
Then it comes — the first goal.
You're up out your seat, the team are playing shit hot, and that first goal finally settles the nerves.
You go on and hump the other side. It's glorious.
For days after, you’ve got the bragging rights. You get to rub it in to yer pals —
"Get it right up ye, wee man!"
You walk around with a spring in your step, humming your club’s tunes.
So aye, match days and the lead-up to them are absolutely mental — chaotic, emotional, and a completely different experience to anything else in the world.
Me, Personally
I mentioned above that I’ve tried to distance myself from fitba, and I have my reasons for that.
Deep down though, I really do love Celtic. I’ve had so many ups and downs over the years following the club, but I still can’t help it — the love for it never really goes away.
But it’s not all fun and games either. The mental stress that comes with the matches can be brutal. The constant ragin when you get beat… especially when it’s Rangers.
And then there’s the times when the club are playing absolutely baws.
It gets to you after a while.
That’s part of the reason I’ve stepped back from it a bit. I still care about the club, I still keep an eye on the results, but I don’t let it take over my head the way it used tae.
Because when you get too wrapped up in it, fitba can really mess with your mood.
And honestly… sometimes it’s just easier to take a step back.
I found myself swearing at the TV — like proper shouting “Fur FUCK SAKES, CELTIC!” You know, proper shouting. And my kids are in the other room, and you know they heard because they come running in to see what's going on.
So nah, having that Celtic brain fog wasn't healthy for me, so I try to keep a bit of distance now.
Like I said, I still watch the odd game. And if we get beat these days I kind of just brush it off.
Mind you… if Rangers beat us, it still hurts.
I can’t fully shake the love I have for the club.
So… Is It Really That Big?
So aye… the Old Firm really is as big as people say.
Maybe even bigger.
Celtic and Rangers both have massive followings all over the world. Wherever you go, you'll usually find a Celtic pub somewhere, or someone wearing the merchandise.
And even though I try to keep a bit of distance from it these days, part of me will always care when Celtic step onto that pitch against Rangers.
If you ever get the chance tae come to Scotland, you should definitely try to catch an Old Firm match.
Me personally though — and again this is just me, I can't speak for anyone else — to me they're not quite as good as they used tae be back in the day. But that's just my personal take on it, partly because my own mindset has changed over the years and because of the different experiences I've had following the club.
But they're still pretty fucking special.
Even if you're not a football fan, just experiencing the atmosphere around the city on match day is something else.
