Rangers fan group calls for Russell Martin to go after European embarrassment
The Scottish club were humbled 9-1 on aggregate by their Belgian opposition
A prominent Rangers fan group has demanded the dismissal of head coach Russell Martin in the wake of last night’s humiliating Champions League exit against Club Brugge.
Rangers were thumped 6-0 in Belgium and will now play in the Europa League as their miserable start to the season continued.
Martin only took over in June but has now presided over the club’s worst start to a domestic season in 36 years, an early Champions League exit and the issue of striker Hamza Igamane refusing to come off the bench in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at St Mirren.
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Aarons’ red sets tone for humiliating night for Rangers
His team travelled to Bruges already 3-1 down in the tie and Martin’s pre-match confidence was shattered within eight minutes after Nicolo Tresoldi’s early opener was followed by right-back Max Aarons’ red card.
It was 5-0 by half-time and the hosts scored their sixth five minutes after the restart. Without goalkeeper Jack Butland it could easily have been double figures.
Martin came under fire from the travelling Rangers fans while a banner was hung on the gates of Ibrox after the game that read: “Get him out now before the seats are empty.”
That view was echoed by the Rangers Supporters Association, who describe themselves as ‘The true independent organisation for Rangers supporters and supporters clubs worldwide’.
They tweeted on X: “It is our considered view that the current Head Coach should be relieved of his duties with immediate effect.
“The Rangers Supporters Association will always stand behind the team, but we also have a duty to speak up.”
Martin apologises after Brugge rout
Martin himself apologised to the Rangers fans after a performance he said was an “embarrassment”.
The former Southampton boss said: “To the fans, I have nothing but an apology. I’m very sorry they had to witness that.
“It’s humiliating and it’s painful. There’s disappointment and hurt that they’ve had to go through that.
“I don’t think I’ve learnt anything new tonight, I’m just embarrassed by the defeat. It’s probably the toughest night I’ve had as a head coach.
“It doesn’t change the fact I think we will progress, move forward and grow.”
Next up for Rangers is Sunday’s Old Firm derby against a Celtic side who suffered their own European disappointment on Tuesday, losing on penalties in their Champions League qualifier to Kairat in Kazakhstan.