Russell Martin got a right earful from the fuming Ibrox faithful as Rangers' shambolic start to the season continued on Saturday. The Scottish giants were well and truly spanked 2-0 at home by Hearts, leaving them without a single win from their first five league matches. It's an absolute joke, mate!
Rangers' woeful form under Martin
These muppets have now dropped to tenth in the Premiership after their first loss of the campaign. Lawrence Shankland's brace secured all three points for the visitors, piling the pressure on Martin. The former Southampton boss has faced a shedload of criticism since his appointment in June, and rightly so!
Mounting pressure on the manager
Prior to the international break, Rangers were held by Motherwell, Dundee and St. Mirren before a goalless draw in the Old Firm derby against Celtic. They were also absolutely battered 9-1 on aggregate by Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off round. Some fans have already been calling for Martin to be given the boot after just 12 games, and things turned toxic on Saturday.
Toxic atmosphere at Ibrox
As the hosts went 2-0 down, supporters were heard bellowing 'Martin, get to fuck' in unison. Further chants of 'sacked in the morning' could also be heard from the home fans as many headed for the exits. The atmosphere was about as welcoming as a kick in the nuts!
Fans unhappy with transfer activity
Fans have also taken aim at Martin's transfer activity during the summer after Hamza Igamane's sale to Lille. His departure followed a refusal to come off the bench during the draw with St. Mirren last month. Meanwhile, he has repeatedly left out Belgian international Nicolas Raskin, who has not been included in the last two matchday squads. What a load of bollocks!
Wait for a win continues
As for their league woes, fans will have to wait at least two more bloody weeks for a first victory of the campaign. Rangers are next in action on September 20 in the quarter-finals of the Scottish League Cup at home to Hibernian. They then face Belgian opposition once again with Genk the visitors in the Europa League on September 25. Those matches are followed by a trip to Livingston in the league three days later.
Hope for the future?
Rangers are unbeaten in their last 17 Premiership meetings with Livi dating back to 2019. They have also won four in a row in the league against their next opponents in the competition. But with the way they're playing right now, who knows what could happen? It's an absolute shambles, and something needs to change fast if they want to turn this season around!
