Celtic’s St Stephen’s Day successes including a Cup Final win over Rangers

The Celtic Star

·26 December 2024

Celtic’s St Stephen’s Day successes including a Cup Final win over Rangers

With the Christmas turkey cleared away, the Celts today host Motherwell for a Boxing Day fixture…

26 December matches have been a common part of the Celtic calendar, happening in more than one-third of seasons during the club’s unbroken history. Celtic have even won a trophy on this day!

Manager Brendan Rodgers has previously complained about Celtic’s lack of home games on Boxing Day. This is the first time it’s happened in 14 years.

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On that occasion – in 2010 – Celtic entertained St Johnstone, with goals from Ki and Cha Du-Ri giving the Bhoys a 2-0 victory. It was a very game of very late drama – both goals came in injury time!

Celtic’s most recent Boxing Day fixture was in 2023. A trip to Dens Park saw the Hoops collect all three points following a 3-0 win. In fact, since Celtic’s last home Boxing Day match, they’ve had seven away trips.

Mikey Johnston celebrates. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

In total, Celtic have played 47 occasions on 26 December. To date, it has resulted in 33 wins for the Bhoys, alongside 7 draws and 7 defeats. It’s seen 105 Celtic goals to cheer, and 44 conceded. This has always been an occasion for goals; Celtic have never had a 0-0 scoreline on this day.

Dundee United have been a challenging opponent for Celtic on St Stephen’s Day. In 1992, they were the last team to beat Celtic the day after Christmas (a 0-1 home defeat) and also provided the Hoops’ most recent draw, with a 2-2 tie in 2006.

The first Boxing Day fixture for the Bhoys was a 2-1 home win against St Mirren in 1891. Following this, Celtic’s early years usually saw the Bhoys take part in English friendlies for Boxing Day, against teams like Everton and Ardwick (who later became Man City).

The 1950s were an especially interesting time for Boxing Day games. A 7-1 away win over Clyde in 1953 remains the Bhoys’ biggest win on 26 December. And in 1955, Celtic won a trophy when they beat Rangers 5-3 at Hampden to claim the Glasgow Cup.

It’s 18 years since Celtic failed to take all three points on 26 December. Celtic have won all 11 fixtures played on Boxing Day since then. Here’s hoping the Bhoys’ late Christmas present to the support is to continue this run.

C’mon the Hoops – and Merry Christmas!

Matthew Marr

Follow Matthew on Twitter @hailhailhistory

Click on cover to order a hardback copy

Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.

Matthew Marr with his debut Celtic book, Glory to their name, which tells the story of Celtic’s first ever title win. Photo The Celtic Star