Celtic Games | Year by Year | 1987-1900 | The War Years | Forum

Significant football milestones prior to the birth of Celtic:-

1862: 10 rules were introduced and adopted by many public schools. Violence was not allowed and players were not allowed in front of the ball.

1863: Cambridge rules re-written to encompass 14 points: including The size of the pitch, along with the banning of tripping and kicking opponent’s shins.

1866: Players were no longer offside providing three opponents were between them and the goal.

1869: Goal kicks were introduced

1872: Corner kicks were introduced

1874: Shin guards were worn for the first time: Credited to Samuel Widdowson

1878: October 24th: the first match to be played in Northern Ireland between was an exhibition match, Queens Park played Caledonians.

1878: A referee used a whistle to control the game.

1879: The first match between England and Wales.

1879: Rangers refused to play in a replay for the Scottish Cup final because they had a goal disallowed in the first match. The Cup was awarded to Vale of Leven.

1880: The Irish Football association was formed in Belfast.

1882: The Scottish, English, Irish and Welsh FA’s met in Manchester were they united their rules and formed an International Football Association Board to control the laws of the game.

1882: Scotland played Wales for the first time.

1882: Throw-ins had to be two handed.

1883: Scotland v Ireland became a regular fixture, creating the first home Nations championship.

1885: September 5th: Arbroath beat Bon Accord 36-0 in the first round of the Scottish cup, which is still a record for an official match. On the same day Dundee Harp beat Aberdeen Rovers 35-0.

1886: International Caps were awarded for the first time.