RUSSELL MARTIN UNDER FIRE: RANGERS FANS FURIOUS OVER HIS POST-MATCH STATEMENT AFTER THE DRAW WITH ST. MIRREN, WITH MANY CALLING FOR HIS SACKING – HE SHOULD NOT HAVE SAID THAT
Rangers manager Russell Martin has come under intense scrutiny following his controversial post-match comments after the 1-1 draw against St. Mirren at the Paisley 2021 Stadium on Saturday evening. The result, which saw Rangers drop two more crucial points in their chase for the Scottish Premiership title, sparked outrage among supporters and Martin’s interview only poured fuel on the fire.
The match itself proved to be a frustrating affair for the Glasgow side. St. Mirren took the lead in the 32nd minute when Jonah Ayunga capitalised on a lapse in Rangers’ backline to slot the ball past Jack Butland. The hosts showed resilience and physicality, frustrating Rangers’ attempts to find rhythm.
Rangers eventually found an equaliser in the 78th minute when young forward Francis Curtis pounced on a rebound to level the score. Despite late pressure, Martin’s side could not force a winner, leaving the travelling support visibly angered at full-time.
However, it was not just the dropped points that ignited fury it was what came after. Speaking in his post-match interview, Martin attempted to downplay the draw, suggesting that “a point away at St. Mirren isn’t the worst result” and insisting that the team showed “progress in certain areas.”
“I
understand the disappointment, but I think we showed some progress in certain areas. One point away from St. Mirren isn’t catastrophic, and we’ll continue working hard to improve.”
These remarks, seen by many as dismissive of the club’s high standards, were immediately met with backlash.
On social media, fans vented their frustration. One supporter wrote:
“Rangers don’t settle for draws. We’re not a mid-table side. Martin’s words are unacceptable.” Another added: “The players look lost, and the manager looks out of his depth. Sack him now before it’s too late.”
The criticism has snowballed quickly, with some pundits also questioning Martin’s approach. Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd told Sky Sports:
“Rangers are expected to win every week. To hear the manager downplay a result like this will only frustrate fans further. It’s not about progress in ‘areas,’ it’s about winning football matches.”
For Rangers supporters, the concern is that Celtic are pulling away in the title race while their own side struggles for consistency. With two draws in their last three league outings, patience is wearing thin. Fans believe Martin’s tactical setup is failing to get the best out of the squad, and that his public comments show a lack of understanding of the club’s winning mentality.
The atmosphere in the away end at Paisley was telling. Chants of frustration rang out in the final minutes, and boos greeted the full-time whistle. For many, the post-match interview felt like confirmation that Martin is not the man to lead Rangers back to glory.
Yet, within the dressing room, the mood appeared more measured. Club captain James Tavernier defended the manager, stating: “We’re all in this together. The performance wasn’t good enough in the first half, but we reacted and got back into the game. We know the standards we have to reach, and we’ll keep working.”
Despite the internal show of unity, pressure is mounting. The next fixtures could prove pivotal, as Rangers face a demanding run in both domestic and European competition. A failure to pick up wins could see calls for Martin’s dismissal intensify further.
For now, the manager insists he will not be distracted by outside noise. “I understand the frustration, but I believe in this group of players and in what we’re building here,” Martin said defiantly. “Results will come.”
For Rangers fans, the message is clear: excuses will not suffice, and patience is running out.
