Rangers Fans Protest Against ‘Worst Manager in History’ Russell Martin as Under-Fire Boss Bizarrely Thanks Supporters

Protests Erupt at Ibrox as Pressure Mounts on Martin

There’s rarely a quiet week in Scottish football, but even by Rangers’ turbulent standards, Saturday’s League Cup quarter-final against Hibernian was one for the books. While the Gers ran out 2-0 winners on the pitch, much of the post-match discussion centered not around the goals but around the banners, the chants, and the growing unrest in the stands.

Rangers supporters, fed up with what they describe as the worst start to a season in living memory, turned their frustration toward Russell Martin, the man they now label the “worst manager in history.” Their protests were loud, visible, and impossible to ignore — and yet, somehow, the under-pressure boss found a way to spin it into a positive.

Fans Label Martin the ‘Worst Manager in History’

Ahead of kick-off at Ibrox, fans gathered outside the stadium in numbers. They carried signs and banners demanding not only Martin’s resignation but also calling for the departure of chief executive Patrick Stewart, who they accuse of enabling the club’s slide.

Once inside the ground, the protests grew even louder. As the teams prepared to emerge from the tunnel, supporters unveiled a massive banner reading: “Russell out – worst manager in history.” That wasn’t all. In a coordinated act of disruption, fans hurled balls onto the pitch, forcing a delay to the start of the match.

It was a moment that summed up the current mood in Govan: simmering anger, theatrical defiance, and the feeling of a fanbase that has simply had enough.

Martin’s Curious Response: Thanks to the Fans

After the final whistle — a 2-0 win secured by goals from Nicolas Raskin and Bojan Miovski — Martin faced the media. Surely, he would condemn the protests or at least acknowledge the anger? Instead, he offered something nobody expected: gratitude.

“Well, it was actually right during the team talk,” Martin said when asked about the pre-match demonstration. “I can’t control any of it. But I have to say, I thought the fans were brilliant. They made their feelings really clear, and then once that was done, the team started playing with a bit of flow. I think they were really, really good. So I have to thank them for that.”

It was an odd response, one that left many scratching their heads. Gratitude in the face of open hostility? Some saw it as delusion, others as damage control, and a few suggested it might be Martin’s way of trying to ease the tension. Whatever the case, it was clear that the protests had rattled him — even if he tried to mask it.

Rangers Finally Win in Domestic Competition

Rangers v Heart of Midlothian – William Hill Premiership

For all the noise off the pitch, Rangers at least delivered where it mattered most. Goals from Raskin and Miovski gave them a much-needed victory, their first domestic win of the season after five winless Premiership matches that included four damaging defeats.

The relief was palpable. The players celebrated with clenched fists, and Martin himself cut an animated figure on the touchline, urging his team to keep their shape and intensity. It wasn’t vintage Rangers, but it was functional, and at this stage, functionality might be the only way to survive.

Still, one cup win does little to erase the memory of a league campaign already in tatters. Sitting adrift in the table, with Celtic pulling away and fans restless, the question is not whether Martin has bought himself time, but how much time he has left.

A Club Divided: Fans vs. Hierarchy

The protests weren’t only about Martin. The name of Patrick Stewart featured prominently, with supporters furious at what they perceive as a lack of vision and competence from the top of the club. Since taking the reins as chief executive, Stewart has faced mounting criticism for financial decisions, recruitment strategy, and his support of Martin despite the poor results.

At Ibrox, loyalty is a currency that can be spent quickly. Right now, both Martin and Stewart are running on empty. The fanbase, used to a club defined by its proud history and relentless pursuit of silverware, is demanding accountability — and it doesn’t seem like they’ll stop until changes are made.

Possible Replacements: Ancelotti’s Son in the Frame

Speculation about Martin’s future is already rife, and while the Rangers board has publicly backed their man, behind closed doors contingency planning is underway. Among the more intriguing names linked with Ibrox is Davide Ancelotti, son of the legendary Carlo, who is currently managing Botafogo in Brazil.

Though inexperienced compared to some of the seasoned managers on the market, Davide has earned plaudits for his tactical acumen and calm demeanor. Other names will inevitably surface — out-of-work managers with a proven record in British football, perhaps — but the Ancelotti connection has already captured the imagination of fans dreaming of a bold new era.

Martin’s Perspective: Under Siege but Defiant

Davide Ancelotti Real Madrid 2024

In fairness to Martin, he has hardly had an easy ride. A summer of inconsistent recruitment left him with a squad that looks disjointed, and injuries have played their part too. The step up from his previous managerial experiences to the unique intensity of Glasgow has been enormous, and he now finds himself in a job where one defeat feels like a crisis and one win barely buys breathing space.

Yet his defiance was clear in his post-match comments: “At this football club, it comes about one person really quickly. But it’s not just about me. It’s about the staff, the players, the whole structure. Hopefully it’ll become more and more about the team if we put in performances like that.”

He may believe that, but fans aren’t buying it. Right now, for the Ibrox faithful, everything is about Martin — and not in a good way.

What’s Next for Rangers?

The Gers will return to league action knowing they must turn things around quickly. Domestic cups may offer temporary respite, but nothing matters more in Glasgow than the Premiership. With Celtic flying high, every dropped point feels like a dagger to Rangers’ season.

If Martin cannot string together victories in the league, Saturday’s protests will feel like a polite warm-up compared to what could come next. The banners might grow larger, the chants louder, and the pressure unbearable.

Conclusion: A Club at a Crossroads

Saturday’s scenes at Ibrox were a reminder of just how unforgiving football can be in Glasgow. One moment, fans are singing your name. The next, they’re calling you the worst manager in the club’s history.

Russell Martin insists he’s focused on performances, grateful even to fans who protested against him. But the truth is clear: he’s walking a tightrope, and every match could tip the balance.

For Rangers, the choice is stark. Stick with a manager who seems out of step with the fanbase, or take the plunge and seek new leadership before the season slips away entirely. One thing is certain: at Ibrox, patience is in short supply — and the clock is already ticking.