Old Firm
|
|
Template:NPOV The name Old Firm is a collective term for the Glaswegian football clubs, Rangers and Celtic, generally used pejoratively to suggest that they are running the scene, together, against the wishes of the other clubs in Scotland. The term is derived from the profitable nature of contests between the two. These two clubs are easily the most successful in Scotland, having won between them 63 Scottish Cups and 90 League championships (through 2005).
The competition between these two clubs has it's roots in more than just a simple athletic rivalry, but is infused with disputes of religon (Catholic and Protestant)and politics. The result has been history of bad feelings amongst fans, oftentimes resulting in violence.
The two clubs normally compete four times a year in the Scottish Premier League (SPL) and are frequently drawn against each other in various Cup competitions.
Old Firm plans to join the English Premiership
Both Celtic and Rangers have expressed desires to leave the Scottish league system and move to the English Premiership. This however is not the wish of clubs in the Premiership, as for smaller clubs this would effectively reduce their chances of staying in the league and for bigger clubs, reduce their chances of playing in Europe. Clubs in the Championship also seem to be against this move as this would also reduce their chances of entry into the more lucrative Premiership.
Reports have suggested that Premiership clubs voted 20 - 0 in 2004 to reject the admittance of the Old Firm into the Premiership. Add to this the need for both national football associations (the Scottish Football Association & The Football Association) and Europe's governing body (UEFA) to agree to the switch it is unlikely that either Celtic or Rangers will be playing in the Premiership in the forseeable future.
The only hope for both clubs, it appears, is that the current broadcasters Sky Television feel that the Old Firm would improve the Premiership and demand their move to the English League. Sky Television would have a strong position to ask for such a change due to the amount of money that clubs receive from them for television rights.
The main reason for the desire of the Old Firm to switch leagues is mainly financial as the lesser Premiership clubs receive much more in television revenue than Rangers and Celtic currently do in the SPL. Both clubs feel that this lack of revenue and competition is holding them back and not allowing them to realise their full potential both financially and on the pitch.nl:The Old Firm