Celtic vs St Johnstone: The Rivalry that Divides a City

For over a century, the rivalry between Celtic and St Johnstone has been the heartbeat of Perth, Scotland. These two football clubs, representing different sides of the religious divide, ignite an unyielding passion in their fans, creating a city divided by football.
In the early 1900s, Perth was a hotbed of football. Catholic immigrants had founded Celtic in 1888, and the Protestant community followed suit with St Johnstone in 1884. As the clubs grew in prominence, so did the rivalry.
The rivalry escalated in the 1960s, when the two teams competed for local supremacy. On the field, their clashes were fierce, with heated matches and even violence marring the rivalry. Off the field, the divide was palpable, with pubs and social clubs dominated by fans of one club or the other.
One of the most infamous incidents occurred in 1969, when a Celtic victory sparked a riot in the streets of Perth. Thousands of fans rampaged through the city, burning cars and smashing windows. The rivalry had reached a boiling point.
Over the years, the rivalry has mellowed somewhat. The sectarianism that once fueled it has largely dissipated, and today, the focus is more on footballing success. However, the rivalry remains a significant part of the city's identity.
"It's a friendly rivalry now," said lifelong Celtic fan John Smith. "We can go to each other's games and have a bit of banter, but there's still an edge to it."
For St Johnstone fan Mary Brown, the rivalry is a source of pride. "It's what makes our city special. It's a bit like the Old Firm rivalry, but on a smaller scale," she said.
The rivalry between Celtic and St Johnstone is a fascinating and complex one. It's a story of divided loyalties, fierce competition, and the enduring power of football.
Personal Anecdote:
I remember growing up in Perth and being torn between supporting Celtic and St Johnstone. My father was a Celtic fan, while my mother was a St Johnstone supporter. On match days, our living room would be a battleground of conflicting colors and chants.
As I got older, I decided to support neither team. Instead, I became a neutral observer, marveling at the passion and intensity that the rivalry evoked. It was like watching a historical drama unfold before my very eyes.
The Celtic vs St Johnstone rivalry is a unique and special thing. It's a living, breathing part of Perth's heritage, and it's something that I'm proud to have witnessed firsthand.
Call to Action:
Whether you're a Celtic fan, a St Johnstone supporter, or someone who simply enjoys football, I encourage you to visit Perth and experience this rivalry for yourself. It's a spectacle that will stay with you long after the final whistle blows.