Who is Aberdeen main rival?
Aberdeen's main rival is Rangers.
The Fierce Rivalry with Rangers
The overwhelming majority of Aberdeen supporters identify Rangers as their primary rival. This deep-seated animosity is often vocalized by fans, with some even singing "We hate Rangers more than you [do]" to Celtic supporters, highlighting the intensity of their feeling towards the Glasgow club. This rivalry, often dubbed the "New Firm," has grown significantly due to historical on-pitch clashes and a strong sense of competition for supremacy in Scottish football outside of Glasgow.
Why Rangers?
Several factors contribute to Rangers being considered Aberdeen's top rival:
- Historical Clashes: While not geographically close, both clubs have historically competed for major honors in Scottish football, particularly during periods when they were dominant forces.
- Lack of Local Opponents: Unlike many clubs situated in densely populated areas, Aberdeen has no other professional football clubs in close proximity. This geographical isolation means that a local derby is not possible, shifting the focus of rivalry to more distant, yet historically significant, opponents.
- Intense Fan Sentiment: The animosity between the fan bases is palpable and has been cultivated over decades through competitive matches and memorable encounters. This strong sentiment is a definitive marker of the rivalry.
Other Clubs and Local Grudges
While Rangers are the principal rivals, other clubs in Scottish football do have encounters with Aberdeen. However, these are typically not considered a main rivalry for Aberdeen itself:
- Dundee United: Located to the south, Dundee United are often involved in the Dundee Derby with their city rivals, Dundee FC. Their primary focus remains this local grudge, rather than Aberdeen.
- Inverness Caledonian Thistle: Positioned to the north, Inverness CT also primarily focus on their own local rivalries within the Highlands, particularly with Ross County in the Highland Derby.
The intense rivalry between Aberdeen and Rangers is a significant aspect of Scottish football, deeply felt by supporters of both clubs, and is well-documented on platforms such as Wikipedia.
