‘What I saw Rangers fans do in person was mental, it’s never been seen before’
Rangers fans have endured a miserable season so far, and Russell Martin is under huge pressure.
Martin has been booed off by Rangers fans in every game in recent weeks, with the fanbase keen to see him leave Ibrox already.
Even after Rangers beat Livingston with a last-minute winner, the away fans chanted for Martin to depart immediately after their goal, with the levels of abuse aimed towards him higher than ever before.
Martin’s situation at Ibrox may be untenable even if Rangers pick up some winning form, with his relationship with the fans now broken beyond repair.
Andy Halliday wowed by fans hostility towards Russell Martin
Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday was in attendance at the Livingston game for Sky Sports and stood alongside the away fans.
Max Aarons scored right at the death to hand Rangers their first Scottish Premiership win of the season, but rather than jubilant scenes of celebration, anger was directed at the manager.
Speaking on the Open Goal podcast, Halliday claimed he had never seen scenes quite like it, with it clear that the Rangers fans will never take to Martin.
| Games managed | 15 |
| Wins | 5 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Win percentage | 30% |
“I’ll tell you what, that’s the first time I’ve been and seen the hostility towards Russell Martin. It’s mental,” Halliday stated.
“Rangers have scored a 94th minute winner, and within 20 seconds of the ball hitting the back of the net, they’re singing ‘Martin get to [expletive].'”
“I’ve never seen a manager ever be this hated in my life,” former Rangers striker Kevin Kyle replied.
Martin’s position at Rangers is untenable
There have rarely ever been cases of an entire fanbase turning against a manager, and the coach keeping his job for too long.
All signs point towards an inevitable Martin exit from Ibrox, and anger is now being turned towards the Rangers board for delaying such a decision.
Winning is simply not enough for Martin to get the fans onside now. While a change in tactics to play more directly could win some Rangers fans over, many have already made up their minds.
The upcoming international break could see Martin sacked if Rangers lose to Sturm Graz, Falkirk or both, with this season unexpectedly disastrous after a summer of heavy investment.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Rangers news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @ibroxnews247