Russell Martin turns completely on Rangers fans amid major dig | OneFootball

Russell Martin has taken another swipe at Rangers fans and the reaction has been as furious as it has been telling. The manager’s thin skin has once again been exposed as he publicly moaned about children at Ibrox joining in the chorus against him. Supporters see this as the clearest evidence yet that he is completely out of touch, as even Ibrox Noise highlighted with his latest gaffe. Martin has managed to turn what should be a passionate connection into a toxic divide. That is why the response has been so fierce, because Rangers fans know the club deserves better. The gap between him and the support is widening every week and this era is now in freefall.

Martin versus the support

The fact he chose to criticise young fans shows a worrying detachment from reality. Rangers fans of every age have always voiced their feelings, from the Copland to the Broomloan. This is part of the Ibrox experience and Martin’s attempt to shame them only highlights his weakness. As Ibrox Noise pointed out when he was first confirmed, there was never real belief he was the right man. Managers before him dealt with hostility by proving doubters wrong. Walter Smith never shirked when the crowd grew restless, he responded by producing results. Dick Advocaat used pressure as fuel to push Rangers forward. Martin whines about children swearing at him. That is the difference between leaders and pretenders.

A sad reflection of this Rangers

The modern Rangers under Martin have become a pale shadow of the club’s proud past. The team looks scared at Ibrox and the manager blames the fans instead of fixing the problem. Supporters see a man more worried about his image than the badge. His tenure is turning into one of the most dismal in memory and yet no action comes from above. The board remain silent while the season drifts further into chaos. As Ibrox Noise covered, he seems keener to talk about targets than addressing the failings in front of him. Fans are right to feel betrayed because this is not the Rangers they recognise. They are watching a slow motion collapse with no sign of leadership.

Out of touch and out of time

Martin’s smear at kids tells you everything about his mentality. Instead of inspiring, he deflects. Instead of showing strength, he sulks. The Rangers support can spot a weak manager a mile off and the judgement has been delivered. His words have cut the last ties he had with the stands. There is no way back from this fracture. As Sky Sports explained, even a win has not softened the chants. Supporters have made up their minds. The Scottish Sun reported his complaint about children abusing him and fans saw it as pathetic. The Guardian summed it up after a dreary Old Firm showing when both sets of fans booed. Rangers fans want a leader who understands them and fights for the club. They do not want a manager who sees supporters as the problem. This era has become very sad and the longer it lasts the worse it gets. The fans know it, the players feel it, but the board still look away.