Erin Seitz

Written by Erin Seitz

Published: 28 Jul 2025

40-facts-about-celtic-f-c-vs-newcastle
Source: Footballwhispers.com

Who holds the upper hand in the Celtic F.C. vs Newcastle rivalry? This question sparks heated debates among football fans. Celtic F.C., with its rich history and numerous titles, stands as a giant in Scottish football. Newcastle United, known for its passionate fanbase and storied past, remains a formidable force in English football. Both clubs have their unique strengths and memorable moments. Celtic boasts a record number of Scottish league titles, while Newcastle has had its share of glory in the English Premier League. Comparing Celtic F.C. and Newcastle United involves looking at their achievements, fan culture, and key players. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a curious observer, this rivalry offers plenty of excitement and history. Let's dive into the fascinating world of these two iconic clubs.

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Celtic F.C. vs Newcastle United: A Storied Rivalry

Celtic F.C. and Newcastle United are two of the most storied clubs in football history. Both teams have passionate fan bases, rich traditions, and a history of memorable matches. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about these two iconic clubs.

Historical Background

Understanding the history of both clubs provides context for their rivalry and achievements.

  1. Celtic F.C. was founded in 1887 to alleviate poverty in Glasgow's East End. The club's charitable roots remain a significant part of its identity.
  2. Newcastle United was established in 1892 following the merger of two local clubs, Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End.
  3. Celtic's first match was played on May 28, 1888, against Rangers, which they won 5-2.
  4. Newcastle United's first competitive match was a 2-2 draw against Woolwich Arsenal in 1893.

Achievements and Honors

Both clubs have a rich history of success on the field, with numerous trophies and accolades.

  1. Celtic won the European Cup in 1967, becoming the first British club to do so.
  2. Newcastle United has won the FA Cup six times, with their most recent victory in 1955.
  3. Celtic has won the Scottish League Championship 51 times, dominating Scottish football.
  4. Newcastle United has won the English League Championship four times, with their last title in 1927.

Iconic Players

Great players have graced the fields of both clubs, leaving lasting legacies.

  1. Jimmy Johnstone, a Celtic legend, was voted the club's greatest ever player in 2002.
  2. Alan Shearer, Newcastle's all-time top scorer, netted 206 goals for the club.
  3. Henrik Larsson scored 242 goals for Celtic, becoming one of their most beloved players.
  4. Jackie Milburn, a Newcastle icon, scored 200 goals for the club between 1943 and 1957.

Memorable Matches

Certain matches between these clubs and others have become part of football folklore.

  1. Celtic's 7-1 victory over Rangers in 1957 remains the largest margin of victory in a Scottish League Cup final.
  2. Newcastle's 5-0 win against Manchester United in 1996 is one of their most celebrated victories.
  3. Celtic's 2-1 win over Barcelona in 2012 in the Champions League is considered one of their greatest achievements.
  4. Newcastle's 4-4 draw with Arsenal in 2011 after being 4-0 down at halftime is one of the most remarkable comebacks in Premier League history.

Fan Culture

The supporters of both clubs are known for their passion and loyalty.

  1. Celtic fans are known as the "Bhoys", a term that reflects their Irish heritage.
  2. Newcastle fans are called the "Toon Army", a nickname derived from the local pronunciation of "town."
  3. Celtic Park, also known as "Paradise," has a capacity of over 60,000 and is renowned for its electric atmosphere.
  4. St James' Park, Newcastle's home ground, can hold over 52,000 fans and is one of the most iconic stadiums in England.

Rivalries

Both clubs have fierce rivalries that add to the drama and excitement of their matches.

  1. Celtic's biggest rivalry is with Rangers, known as the Old Firm derby, one of the most intense rivalries in world football.
  2. Newcastle's main rivals are Sunderland, with their matches known as the Tyne-Wear derby.
  3. The Old Firm derby has seen over 400 matches, with Celtic and Rangers almost evenly matched in terms of victories.
  4. The Tyne-Wear derby has been played over 150 times, with Newcastle holding a slight edge in wins.

Financial Aspects

The financial health and management of both clubs have seen ups and downs.

  1. Celtic is one of the richest clubs in Scotland, with a revenue of over £70 million in recent years.
  2. Newcastle United was purchased by a Saudi-led consortium in 2021, making them one of the wealthiest clubs in the world.
  3. Celtic's transfer record is the £9 million paid for Odsonne Edouard in 2018.
  4. Newcastle's transfer record is the £40 million paid for Joelinton in 2019.

Community Involvement

Both clubs have strong connections to their local communities.

  1. Celtic's charitable foundation supports various causes, including poverty relief and education.
  2. Newcastle United Foundation focuses on health, education, and social inclusion in the local area.
  3. Celtic's "Football for Good" initiative aims to use football as a tool for social change.
  4. Newcastle's "United As One" campaign promotes diversity and inclusion within the club and community.

International Influence

The global reach of both clubs extends far beyond their local fan bases.

  1. Celtic has a large following in Ireland, due to the club's Irish roots.
  2. Newcastle has a significant fan base in Australia, partly due to the presence of Australian players in the past.
  3. Celtic's matches are broadcast in over 100 countries, showcasing their global appeal.
  4. Newcastle's games attract viewers from around the world, especially after their recent high-profile takeover.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, both clubs have ambitious plans and goals.

  1. Celtic aims to continue their dominance in Scottish football, with a focus on youth development and sustainability.
  2. Newcastle United has plans to challenge for major trophies, leveraging their new financial power.
  3. Celtic is investing in their youth academy, hoping to produce the next generation of stars.
  4. Newcastle is expanding their scouting network, aiming to attract top talent from around the globe.

Final Whistle on Celtic F.C. vs Newcastle

Celtic F.C. and Newcastle United have rich histories and passionate fanbases. Celtic, with its roots in Glasgow, has a storied past filled with domestic and European successes. Newcastle, hailing from the northeast of England, boasts a loyal following and a legacy of memorable matches.

Both clubs have faced ups and downs but remain iconic in their respective leagues. Celtic's green and white hoops are instantly recognizable, while Newcastle's black and white stripes are synonymous with St James' Park.

Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual observer, the rivalry and camaraderie between these two clubs offer endless excitement. From legendary players to unforgettable matches, Celtic and Newcastle continue to captivate football fans worldwide.

So, next time you catch a game, remember the rich history and fierce passion that define these two great clubs. Football's magic lies in stories like these.

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