The Old Firm derby, pitting Celtic against Rangers, has been hailed as the most intense rivalry in Britain, surpassing even the legendary North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham, according to former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor.
Agbonlahor, who now hosts a show on talkSPORT, ranked the Old Firm clash as his top choice, emphasizing the palpable adrenaline and hostility that permeates the atmosphere. He attributes this heightened intensity to the deep-seated animosity between the two teams.
In his estimation, the North London derby fails to measure up, with players opting for handshakes rather than the visceral displays of rivalry that characterized past encounters. Agbonlahor’s top five list also includes the Birmingham derby between Aston Villa and Birmingham City, which he believes exudes genuine hatred between the fan bases.
He further acknowledges the significance of the Manchester United-Liverpool rivalry, citing its historical significance and the fierce competition for league titles between the two giants. West Ham United’s rivalry with Millwall and Chelsea’s clashes with Tottenham round out Agbonlahor’s top five, each carrying their own unique blend of passion and animosity.
While the North London derby may still attract attention, Agbonlahor believes it has lost some of its edge. He points to the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ between Chelsea and Tottenham as a more compelling rivalry, citing the intense atmosphere and the lack of cordial post-match greetings between the players.
