Old Firm — Celtic vs Rangers

The Old Firm between Celtic and Rangers is the most attended club derby in the world per capita, with an average attendance of over 50,000 per match across more than 400 meetings since 1888. It represents a religious, political, and national divide—Celtic founded by Irish Catholic immigrants, Rangers historically associated with Protestantism and unionism—making it the most deeply sectarian derby in Europe. The match generates atmospheres that rival #6 Manchester Derby in intensity, but its cultural significance endured even when Rangers spent four years outside the top flight (2012–16), a testament to its unmatched historical weight. Securing the fixture requires sustained policing, with costs exceeding £1 million per game in recent years.