Sport nationPierre van Hooijdonk, a former Celtic striker, has shared his shocking experiences of playing in Glasgow during his time at Celtic. Van Hooijdonk, who played for Celtic from 1995 to 1997, scoring 52 goals in 84 appearances, has spoken about the intense rivalry between Celtic and Rangers.
In an interview, van Hooijdonk revealed that he received an envelope with razor blades in it during his second season in Scotland. He also shared an incident where a Rangers fan opened his car door at a red light, cursed him, and spat on him.
Van Hooijdonk emphasized that the Old Firm rivalry is more intense than any other match he has experienced, including Ajax v Feyenoord and Fenerbahce v Galatasaray. He attributed this intensity to the cultural and historical context of the rivalry, which goes beyond football and involves faith, identity, and politics.
The former Celtic striker’s comments provide a glimpse into the passionate and often divisive world of Scottish football. The Old Firm rivalry is one of the most famous and intense in the world, with a complex history that involves sectarianism, politics, and identity.
Van Hooijdonk’s experiences highlight the challenges that players can face when playing in this environment. Despite the risks, many players are drawn to the intensity and passion of the Old Firm rivalry, and van Hooijdonk’s own experiences demonstrate the significant impact that this rivalry can have on players and fans alike.
In recent years, there have been efforts to reduce the sectarianism and violence associated with the Old Firm rivalry. However, the rivalry remains a complex and sensitive issue, and van Hooijdonk’s comments serve as a reminder of the intense emotions and passions that are involved.
Sport nation