(Credit: Imago)

Rangers fans boo Russell Martin's crazy in-match decision as Hearts win at Ibrox

Samuel was hired to the writing team at Breaking Media in August 2025, having graduated from Bournemouth University earlier that summer. During his studies, Samuel gained work experience with Get Football Group and Trill Magazine. Based in Oxford, Sam has covered Rangers extensively since joining the company, with a laser focus on preview and matchday build-up content.

Published on:

13 Sep 2025, 12:05 pm

Rangers suffered a 2-0 defeat to Hearts, with the visitors claiming their first win at Ibrox since 2014.

Pressure continues to mount on Russell Martin as Rangers remain winless in the Scottish Premiership.

Lawrence Shankland's double proved to be decisive as Rangers fans continue to lose patience with the former Southampton manager.

One decision Martin made during the match drew fury from the Ibrox faithful.

Martin is facing the sack at Rangers. (Credit: Imago)

Connor Barron's substitution met with huge boos at Ibrox

Martin substituted Barron for Joe Rothwell in the 56th minute, with the change bringing loud boos from the Ibrox crowd.

Barron had been one of Rangers' bright sparks, moving the ball quickly in midfield.

Rothwell proved to be ineffective for Rangers, as the side started to lose their momentum soon after he was introduced.

Considering his midfield partner Mohamed Diomande went on to give away the penalty that led to the second goal, Martin would have been better off keeping Barron on the pitch.

Stat	Barron vs Hearts
Minutes played	56
Touches	44
Tackles	3
Pass accuracy (per cent)	92
Ground duels won (per cent)	80

Barron's stats against Hearts (Via FotMob)

The 23-year-old joined Rangers from Aberdeen last summer, and featured 46 times last season.

Barron's early ejection from the pitch isn't the only issue Rangers fans have regarding the midfield.

Read more: Rangers ‘could be excluded’ from Europa League as Ibrox statement made after UEFA decision

Barron played 56 minutes against Hearts. (Credit: Imago)

Nico Raskin a huge miss for Rangers during Hearts defeat

Raskin was omitted from the Rangers squad against Hearts by Martin on Friday.

The lack of penetration in attacking areas shown by Diomande and Thelo Aasgard was exposed, and the game was crying out for some of Raskin's magic.

Raskin and Martin were set to repair relations once the midfielder got back from internation duty with Belgium, yet his exile from Saturday's match casts further doubt on his future at G51.

With the club in further trouble, Martin's decision to take off the effective Barron could prove to be one of the final decisions of Martin's Rangers career.

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Russell Martin

Connor Barron