Rangers’ 2012 Collapse Still One of the Most Defining Moments in Scottish Football
The financial collapse of Rangers in 2012 stands as perhaps the most significant event in Scottish football — and particularly for Celtic — since the Hoops’ iconic European Cup triumph in 1967.
Rangers’ dramatic fall, which forced them to begin again from the fourth tier, reshaped the Scottish Premiership. For the first time in decades, Celtic faced the likes of Aberdeen and others in a genuine title race, without their biggest rivals in the mix.
While Celtic capitalized on Rangers’ absence by collecting numerous domestic honours, former defender Adam Matthews has shed light on how the Parkhead dressing room really viewed their rivals’ demotion to the lower leagues.
Matthews: Rangers Absence Was a Loss for Celtic and the League
Matthews, who signed for Celtic in 2011 and won the league in his debut season, reflected on the impact of Rangers’ financial implosion and re-entry into the football pyramid.
Speaking to the Daily Record, he said:
> “If you ask anyone honestly, no one really wanted that to happen. Sure, some Celtic fans might have been thrilled at Rangers’ struggles, but for the players and for the league, it wasn’t good news.”
“Even diehard Celtic fans, deep down, would prefer to have Rangers in the league. The Old Firm is the biggest fixture in the calendar, the one we all look forward to most. Their absence was a big loss. But we focused on our job and won the league convincingly. Still, the league’s definitely stronger when both Celtic and Rangers are in it.”
Celtic’s Continued Dominance Post-Rangers Promotion
Despite Rangers’ eventual return to the top flight in 2016, Celtic have continued their remarkable domestic run. The Hoops have added significantly to their trophy haul, reinforcing their position as Scotland’s dominant side:
8 Scottish Premiership titles: 2016–17 to 2024–25 (excluding 2020–21)
6 Scottish Cup victories: Including back-to-back wins and a double in 2022–23 and 2023–24
7 League Cups: With consistent wins throughout Brendan Rodgers’ and Ange Postecoglou’s tenures
Even after the recent Scottish Cup setback, Celtic remain firmly in control at the summit of Scottish football — their dominance unshaken by the resurgence of their age-old rivals.
