No Old Firm derby this time round (video)
Rangers’ Scottish Cup 4th Round exit at the hands of Dundee United last Saturday ensures that there will be no Old Firm derby in Scottish football this season for the first time since World War II.
Third Division Rangers were soundly beaten 3-0 at Tannadice by SPL outfit Dundee United in a match where the Glasgow giants looked both frustrated and out of their depth. Meanwhile, old foes Celtic also strode to a 3-0 victory against First Division Raith Rovers which books their place in the Quarter Finals of the Scotland’s premier cup competition. Both score lines reflect the starkly contrasting fortunes of the Old Firm rivals throughout the past 12 months.
In June last year, Glasgow Rangers – formed in 1872 – were liquidated after failing to resurrect themselves from administration. The club were put into administration by then chairman Craig Whyte as a result of unpaid bills totalling an estimated amount of over £55million including an alleged £21million owed to HMRC however this is currently being debated in court. As a result, Rangers as we know it, was formed as a new company which at the start of this season began its life in the 4th tier of Scottish football.
The Ibrox side currently lead the Third Division by 22 points and look certain to be promoted to the Second Division. However, Saturday’s loss to Dundee United, coupled with an earlier League Cup exit at the hands of another SPL side Inverness and a penalty shoot-out defeat to Queen of the South in the League Challenge Cup confirms that Rangers will not lift any silverware at Scotland’s national stadium this season.
On the other side of the Glasgow divide, Celtic continue to compete across three separate tournaments. The reigning Premier League champions look unlikely to concede the Premier League title and an 18 point difference over nearest rivals Inverness Caledonian Thistle could see the SPL trophy return to Parkhead before we enter May. On Tuesday, Celtic Park will be packed to the rafters as Juventus visit Glasgow in the second round of the Champions League.
An impressive performance by Neil Lennon’s men in the group stages of the competition which saw The Bhoys defeat Spanish giants Barcelona in Glasgow and Spartak Moscow both home and away guaranteed qualification for the latter stages of Europe’s premier competition for only the third time. Only a dismal performance during a 3-2 defeat to St Mirren in the League Cup Semi-Final has blighted Celtic’s season so far.
Many argued that each half of the Old Firm could not live without the other in the belief that success could only be measured by the triumphs and failures of their adversary. However those at Celtic Park and Ibrox were very keen to dispute this and they may have been proved to be right. Rangers are enduring slow, but steady progress during a period of re-building as they look to climb up the leagues at the first attempt. Celtic have been thriving domestically and are very much enjoying their spot in the European limelight.
Just two seasons ago, Celtic and Rangers fans were treated to 7 contests as the clubs met 4 times in the SPL and on 3 occasions in the cups. However, supporters of the Old Firm will now have to wait until next season for the earliest opportunity to satisfy their craving for another famous matchup with their oldest, most bitter rivals.
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