British colonialism, Ireland and the ‘old firm’: postcolonial identities and contemporary Scottish football and society

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article considers the world-famous rivalry between two Scottish based football clubs, Rangers and Celtic. It reflects on dominant representations of the origins, evolution and meaningfulness of this clash. A critical reading of these representations demonstrates they largely ignore or simplify the significance of history for this contest. This study contends that recognising the importance of aspects of Scottish/British imperialism especially contributes to a more informed understanding of these totemic clubs’ foundations, heritages and supporter enmities and throws light on contemporary postcolonial socio-cultural and political identities in Scotland generally. Scrutinising both football commentary and contemporary artistic representations of past imperialist endeavours – in particular, the Great Tapestry of Scotland and Black Watch – contributes to a better understanding not only of this sporting rivalry but also to how Scotland’s role as junior partner with England in the British Empire project, particularly in relation to Ireland, is remembered, contested, overlooked or celebrated in contemporary Scottish society.