“Horrible” – Rangers fans split on Kevin Thomson comments | OneFootball

Kevin Thomson has offered sympathy for Russell Martin after Rangers’ defeat to Hearts but the reaction from supporters remains conflicted. The wider debate is whether Kevin Thomson sympathy for Russell Martin is deserved or misplaced. Many fans have little patience left and Kevin Thomson sympathy for Russell Martin has drawn as much scepticism as support. Yet Kevin Thomson sympathy for Russell Martin speaks to a different perspective, one rooted in the demands and strain of the Ibrox hot seat.

A drained figure on the touchline

Thomson described Martin as looking drained during the loss to Hearts. He noted that the Rangers boss appeared less animated than usual and the situation seemed horrible to watch. Ibrox Noise captured that mood when reporting on how toxic Ibrox had become. Thomson has worn the shirt and understands the weight of expectation that comes with it. He recognised the pressure that can crush a manager who no longer carries the backing of the crowd. While supporters vented fury at the board and staff, Thomson offered words of empathy.

Divided opinion among fans

This is where the conflict arises. Fans hear a former player show compassion for Martin and wonder if it is misplaced. Performances have not improved. Results have not changed. The toxic atmosphere has grown by the week. Ibrox Noise noted in the summer how patience was already stretched thin. Supporters now see Martin as the core of the problem rather than a victim of circumstance. They have endured humiliation in Europe and inconsistency at home. The sympathy from Thomson jars with their lived experience of watching collapse after collapse.

Understanding versus accountability

Of course, there is merit in Thomson’s words. Managing Rangers is unlike any other role in Scottish football. It comes with an intense glare and unrelenting demands. Few outsiders truly grasp how draining it can be. However, empathy does not erase responsibility. Sympathy for Martin does not change the fact that he has failed to deliver results. Rangers supporters want accountability, not excuses. They want leadership and strength, not sympathy. Thomson’s stance raises the question: does compassion help Rangers or does it deflect from the need for change, especially when The Scottish Sun highlighted Thomson’s own coaching ambitions?

In the end both sides may be right. Martin does look beaten down and the pressure is real. But Rangers cannot carry a manager who inspires no belief. Thomson’s sympathy is human but Rangers demand more than human frailty. They demand strength, results and trophies. Unless Martin delivers those, sympathy will count for nothing and the anger from the stands will drown out even the most well-meaning voices, a point echoed when Glasgow World questioned Thomson’s own uncertain role.

Supporters expect action not sentiment. The sympathy may soften some criticism but it will not erase the reality of failure. The fact remains that Rangers need clarity and strength. Without it the club will stumble further and sympathy will turn into scorn, as even The Times observed in coverage of Martin’s tenure.