UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Rangers fans protested at Ibrox on September 20, 2025, calling for head coach Russell Martin and CEO Patrick Stewart to be sacked after poor results and league struggles.
As STV News reported, Rangers supporters protested outside Ibrox Stadium ahead of the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Hibernian. Fans gathered at the main entrance about an hour before kick-off to demand the sacking of head coach Russell Martin and chief executive Patrick Stewart.
They cited the team’s defeat in Champions League qualifying and the worst league start in 47 years. During the protest, a banner reading “Aim Martin and Stewart” was displayed. A similar display had been condemned by the club last season during an Old Firm derby.
What Is Driving Rangers Fans to Protest Against Martin and Stewart?
The unrest continued during the match. In the 11th minute, play was paused after fans threw balls onto the pitch. Officials stopped the game to clear the objects. Another banner appeared during the interruption, stating “Delaying the inevitable. Martin must go.” The protest adds pressure on the club’s management as the team continues its domestic and European campaigns.
Rangers head coach Russell Martin is under pressure after a series of poor results left the team in 11th place in the Premiership table. Despite public backing from the Ibrox hierarchy, including chairman Andrew Cavenagh flying in from the United States to attend Saturday’s match, the team’s league position and performances in domestic and European competitions have raised concerns.
Martin, who previously managed MK Dons, Swansea, and Southampton, has been unable to deliver consistent results. The club faces scrutiny over the need to improve results and stabilise its campaign across competitions.
Fan groups have expressed their dissatisfaction through organised protests. It read:
“The Union Bears stand with fellow fan groups and the wider support in demanding the immediate removal of the Rangers management team and CEO.”
“Russell Martin has shown beyond doubt that he is not capable of leading Rangers Football Club.
“The performances under his management are a disgrace to the standards this club was built on.”
“Rangers cannot afford constant upheaval, but in Martin’s case there can be no debate. His failure is absolute, and he must be removed from his duties immediately.”
The Rangers Supporters Association stated that inaction over the head coach could be damaging for the club. The demonstrations highlight the concerns of supporters regarding management and team performance. Rangers officials have not issued a public response.
A social media post read:
“The Rangers Supporters Association maintains our position regarding the head coach.
“The continued lack of visible action from the club is deeply concerning, especially in light of poor performances on the pitch and falling ticket sales.
“This inaction is damaging the club rather than helping it.”
“We are also aware that our members’ clubs are being directly affected, with apathy already beginning to set in among supporters.”
“The club must act now to resolve this situation and set out a clear strategy for the way forward.”
Rangers Football Club is facing challenges after a U.S.-led consortium, including 49ers Enterprises, took over the club on May 30, 2025. Andrew Cavenagh was appointed chairman following the takeover. Head coach Russell Martin has come under scrutiny after a series of poor results.
The team lost 9-1 on aggregate to Club Brugge in Champions League qualifiers and 2-0 at home to Hearts. As of September 20, 2025, Rangers sit in 10th place in the Scottish Premiership, without a win in the first 5 matches.