Austrian outlet Kronen Zeitung has explored the rivalry between Celtic and Rangers ahead of the Bhoys lifting the Scottish Premiership trophy this weekend.
Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic were officially crowned champions over a fortnight ago, with Barry Ferguson’s Rangers finishing as runners-up. However, there will be no open-top bus celebration due to safety concerns, and Kronen Zeitung has dispatched a reporter to Glasgow to investigate the reasons behind this decision.
Speaking to Rangers supporter Colin, Kronen Zeitung asked why fans of Rangers and Celtic can’t simply get along. He explained that the animosity between the two Glasgow clubs begins at a young age and is deeply embedded within both fanbases.
“You’re born with hatred. None of us know any of them personally. We don’t want to have anything to do with them,” said the Rangers fan.
Martin, a Celtic supporter, stated that the city is split along religious lines and that there is little interaction between the two communities.
“We are Catholics, they are Protestants. It starts at school, where children are not allowed to play with each other and are separated from their parents,” said the Celtic fan.
After securing the Scottish Premiership title last month, Celtic have now matched Rangers’ total of 55 league championships. It marks Celtic’s fifth title in the last six seasons, and they now have an opportunity to secure a domestic treble.
However, Rangers stand in their path for the cup showdown at Hampden Park next weekend, and the Ibrox club will be aiming to prevent their city rivals from completing a consecutive double.