Rangers face backlash as fans turn on Martin after Brugge defeat

Billy Dodds reacts to Rangers' 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge amid a rising public backlash toward Russell Martin.

Dodds Questions Rangers Fragility as Fans Turn on Martin

Rangers fell 3-1 to Club Brugge at Ibrox on Tuesday, buckling under an early barrage that put the result beyond reach. The stadium echoed with boos and an exodus at half time reflected a crowd in a pointed mood where emotion matters. Dodds, a former Ibrox striker and part of last season's interim coaching staff, said he was surprised by how quickly supporters turned on Martin and the team.

Martin responded after the break with a more positive stance, but the damage had already been done in the stands. Dodds noted that the manager had highlighted long-standing fragility at the club, a point that has intensified the debate around the club's direction this season. He argued fans want tangible progression from the many signings, not blanket assurances about past vulnerability.

The incident at Ibrox shows how quickly fan sentiment can shift when results fall behind expectations. Rangers have added several players this season, and the challenge now is to show a coherent path forward well before the calendar moves further into autumn. If the public discourse hardens into cynicism, it can squeeze the team and its leadership, especially a manager who has publicly acknowledged flaws. The real question for Rangers is not only how quickly they improve, but how they communicate what improvement will look like and when it will arrive.

Highlights

The path ahead will test leadership and the club’s direction