| 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 Queens Park played Caledonians, was an exhibition match.
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 where 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.