Sometimes the action isn’t on the pitch. Football fans provide some of the most atmospheric images

Back in September I was lucky enough to witness one of footballs greatest rivalries played out in 90 minutes: Rangers vs. Celtic. The fans are world famous for their loyalty and their rather rude football songs.

Whenever I visit a new city I have the chance to take pictures of fans I’ve never seen in action before. If I happen to hear a few football songs specific to their team they stick with me and automatically bring me back to the flavour of that experience. The fans do the same. It’s the fans that make the atmosphere, the crowd that makes you remember the game and the songs and placards that sum up how everyone is feeling so tapping into the fans state of mind often gives you a more intimate portrait than any action shot.

Late kick-offs never help to get the best of the banners, flags or fans themselves and I always find it difficult to hold the camera very tight. But this time, when Celtic fans displayed their cardboards, I managed to keep cool and take pictures of both them and their Rangers counterparts. The shots show the highs and lows of game through the people that really care.

After the final whistle is over there are more shots to be had if you keep your camera handy. I kept taking pictures of the Rangers supporters ‘dancing, singing and swinging’ after the game was long finished.

Crowd shots might not be the most technical images and they might not be the glory shots of goals or fouls but they capture the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat perfectly.