Sir Alex Ferguson’s Controversial Comments on Rangers and Celtic Rivalry During Museum Visit
Sir Alex Ferguson, one of football’s most iconic figures, is no stranger to the intense rivalry between Rangers and Celtic, known as the Old Firm. His deep connection to Scottish football, particularly his time as a player at Rangers and manager at Aberdeen, has often placed him at the heart of this historic divide. However, remarks made during a visit to the Rangers museum have sparked renewed discussion about his views on the sectarian undertones of the Rangers-Celtic rivalry, shedding light on his personal experiences and the complex dynamics of Glasgow’s football culture.
Ferguson, born in Govan, Glasgow, grew up a Rangers supporter, living just 200 yards from Ibrox Stadium. His dream of playing for the club became reality in 1967 when he signed for Rangers, becoming their most expensive player at the time. However, his tenure was marred by controversy, particularly surrounding his marriage to his wife, Cathy, a Catholic. In a 2021 documentary, Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In, he recounted a disturbing incident during his signing process, where a Rangers director inquired whether he had married in a Catholic church. Ferguson, who married in a registry office, later expressed regret for not confronting the director more forcefully, stating he should have told him to “f*** off.” This experience, coupled with being scapegoated for a 4-0 loss to Celtic in the 1969 Scottish Cup final, left a lasting scar. He was relegated to the junior side and felt his exclusion was tied to his wife’s religion, a claim that has stirred debate among former teammates who deny such overt sectarianism at the club.
During a visit to the Rangers museum, Ferguson’s reflections on this period reignited controversy. He spoke candidly about the sectarian divide that has long defined the Old Firm rivalry, describing Glasgow as a city split between Protestant Rangers and Catholic Celtic. His comments highlighted the personal toll of this divide, noting how he felt he “let my wife down” by not challenging the director’s intrusive question. These remarks, while rooted in his lived experience, provoked mixed reactions. Some Celtic fans, already skeptical of Ferguson due to his Rangers roots, viewed his comments as an attempt to rewrite history, while Rangers supporters were divided—some empathized with his ordeal, others felt he exaggerated the sectarian issue for dramatic effect.
Ferguson’s museum visit also underscored his complex relationship with Rangers. Despite his boyhood allegiance, he has stated he only supports Rangers against Celtic, largely to tease his Celtic-supporting son, Jason. This lighthearted jab belies a deeper truth: Ferguson’s time at Rangers was a formative but painful chapter, shaping his fierce determination as a manager. His success at Aberdeen, where he broke the Old Firm’s dominance, was partly driven by a desire to “put the knife in” Rangers, as he admitted in the documentary.
The controversy surrounding Ferguson’s comments reflects the enduring sensitivity of the Old Firm rivalry. Sectarianism, while less overt today, remains a charged topic in Scottish football. Ferguson’s candidness about his experiences at Rangers, particularly during his museum visit, serves as a reminder of the personal and cultural complexities that continue to shape this iconic feud, cementing his legacy as a figure who transcended but never fully escaped its shadow.
