Old Firm Derby Ibrox 1963

Old Firm Derby Ibrox 1963 is a series of photographs by Gerry Cranham that focuses on the fans and match day atmosphere of Rangers v Celtic on January 1st 1963. The match would finish Rangers 4-0 Celtic, Rangers going on to be crowned League Champions. Old Firm derby day showdowns with Celtic were as traditional as the centuries old Hogmanay celebrations that rang in another New Year. The historic fixture was traditionally the most ferociously contested of the Old Firm clashes, and in the late 1990s it would be suspended due to the extent of the trouble between the notoriously passionate fan bases. Cranham, a pioneer of sports photography, was on the terraces, soaking up the atmosphere as some in the the 55,000 crowd continued to soak up the alcohol as the New Year partying continued in and around Ibrox. The beers, and regular nip of the hard stuff, were tucked away as often as the goals once Rangers began to wrap it up with a commanding second-half display and Celtic were in despair in what was describe as one of their worst performances of the season.