What’s in a suit? Rangers fans split over Russell Martin’s casual approach | OneFootball

Russell Martin had sparked controversy before a ball was even been kicked this season. He refused to wear the traditional Rangers suit for matchday duties, breaking with a custom going back over a hundred years. The decision has split the support. One side demands tradition stays intact. The other just wants results not caring if Russell Martin refuses the Rangers suit.

The Rangers manager’s choice not to don the blazer, tie and formal attire has raised eyebrows across Ibrox. The Ibrox noise around this story has been hard to ignore. The club built its identity on heritage, image and respect for the badge. Generations of fans expect certain standards and dressing the part is one of them.

Martin sticks by his choice suggesting clothes do not affect performance. But for many supporters, it is not about fashion. It is about representing the club with pride. They see the suit as a symbol of Rangers values. His casual approach has frustrated a vocal section of the fanbase. Ibroxnoise.co.uk reported how the issue has become a flashpoint already.

It does not help that the team has stuttered in early fixtures. Had results gone Martin’s way from the start, this might not have mattered (as much). But Rangers dropped points and looked shaky. As a result, criticism has only grown. Every detail becomes magnified when results disappoint. The issue even featured in mainstream coverage, highlighting its reach beyond just social media debates.

Ex-manager Philippe Clement publicly admitted he didn’t like to wear the suit, but he insisted on doing it anywhere to uphold tradition even if he mostly wore a rainjacket over it. He wasn’t anyone’s favourite in the end but at least he looked vaguely like a Rangers manager should.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 13: Rangers manager Philippe Clement is seen during the UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round 2nd Leg match between Rangers and Dynamo Kyiv at Hampden Park on August 13, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Some fans have tried to laugh it off. One joked online that he would not care if Martin wore a tutu if the team won. But even humour cannot mask the growing divide. One camp wants tradition respected. The other does not see it as a priority. But the truth remains, Martin could have avoided the row entirely. Wearing the suit would have shown respect. Instead, it now feels like a statement. Russell Martin refuses the Rangers suit out of spite?

A strong Rangers manager needs fans behind him. Starting off with a split does not help. The club thrives on unity, especially when under pressure. Instead, this has become a needless distraction. The latest opinion on ibroxnoise.co.uk shows many believe this could have been avoided with ease.

Leadership at Ibrox demands more than tactics and team selection. It involves embracing what Rangers stand for. The suit issue may seem minor to some. But for others, it cuts to the core of what the club means. The club does not exist in a vacuum. Traditions matter. Presentation matters. Symbols matter.

Martin still has time to win fans over. But first impressions leave a mark. And Rangers fans remember everything.