Russell Martin accused of Rangers behind-the-scenes bust-up as ex-Ibrox star speaks out
Rangers have entered must-win territory ahead of their match against Hearts on Saturday afternoon.
Russell Martin is under severe pressure after a winless start in the Scottish Premiership and elimination from the Champions League.
Rangers take on Hearts at Ibrox, with it being the first of three home games in three different competitions.
Martin has also made a big statement following potential rumours of a bust-up that has left one star stranded at Rangers.
Kris Boyd convinced of Rangers bust-up between Russell Martin and Nico Raskin
Raskin was left out of the squad against Hearts by Martin, despite initial reports claiming that talks were held to reintegrate Raskin back into the first team.
In the Scottish Sun on Saturday, Rangers legend Kris Boyd said: “There is clearly a clash of personalities and it’s obvious something has happened.
“Raskin is Rangers’ best midfielder, but he needs to do what Martin is asking him to do.
“The Ibrox boss has not left a player of Raskin’s talent out of his squad for no reason, and maybe Martin is protecting the Belgian by not publicly disclosing what’s gone on.”
Raskin won Rangers’ Player of the Season last year, and should be regarded as one of Rangers’ most high-profile assets by Martin.
Yet during the summer, relations were strained between Raskin and Martin as the 24-year-old midfielder wanted to leave the club.
Crystal Palace and Wolves were among clubs interested in Raskin, who joined Rangers in 2023 from Belgian side Standard Liege.
His omission from the second Rangers match-day squad in a row seems to dispel any thoughts that things are fine between player and manager.
Martin is already on thin ice with Rangers fans, and this latest development has cast further doubt on his credentials, as the supporters are very keen for Raskin to come back into the starting lineup.
Martin’s possession-based style of play has not worn off on his squad, and the results can clearly show that.
| Games managed | Stat |
| Wins | 3 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Win Percentage | 27.27 |
With League Cup and Europa League action on the horizon, Martin’s decision over Raskin’s expulsion could have significant ramifications on Rangers’ season.
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Raskin set to leave Ibrox in January
With relations continuing to sour, Raskin looks set to leave the club in January
Martin was desperate to sell Raskin in the summer and the grass isn’t looking greener for Raskin’s future at Rangers.
The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner, and Raskin needs to be playing regular first-team football if he wants to board the plane to North America in June.
Whether Raskin features in between now and January remains a mystery, yet it seems clear that as long as Martin is in charge, Raskin may not play for Rangers again.
However, Martin would seem incredibly foolish not to use Raskin, especially as the scrutiny intensifies over his future at Rangers.
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