Rangers fans protest at Ibrox to call for Russell Martin and Patrick Stewart to be sacked

Rangers fans have staged a protest ahead of the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Hibs, calling for the sacking of head coach Russell Martin and chief executive Patrick Stewart.

Supporters congregated at the front door of Ibrox Stadium an hour before kick-off to make their feelings known about a run of results that has seen the team suffer a heavy defeat in Champions League qualifying and suffer their worst league start in 47 years.

A group unfurled a banner that read “Take aim at Martin and Stewart”, a reference to a previous fan display that the club had condemned after it was unveiled during and Old Firm derby last season.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Rangers fans protest against manager Russell Martin and chief executive Patrick Stewart outside the stadium before a Premier Sports Cup Quarter-Final match between Rangers and Hibernian at Ibrox Stadium, on September 20, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group) — GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Rangers fans protest against manager Russell Martin and chief executive Patrick Stewart outside the stadium before a Premier Sports Cup Quarter-Final match between Rangers and Hibernian at Ibrox Stadium, on September 20, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group) SNS Group

There was further action during the game when, in the 11th minute, play had to be paused to clear bouncing balls from the pitch after they were thrown by fans. A banner was displayed that read “Delaying the inevitable. Martin must go.”

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Rangers' Jack Butland helps clear the pitch as fans throw balls onto the pitch in protest against manager Russell Martin and chief executive Patrick Stewart during a Premier Sports Cup Quarter-Final match between Rangers and Hibernian at Ibrox Stadium, on September 20, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group) — GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Rangers’ Jack Butland helps clear the pitch as fans throw balls onto the pitch in protest against manager Russell Martin and chief executive Patrick Stewart during a Premier Sports Cup Quarter-Final match between Rangers and Hibernian at Ibrox Stadium, on September 20, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group) SNS Group

Despite having the repeated backing of the Ibrox hierarchy, Martin is seen to be under severe pressure after a run of results that has the side sitting in eleventh place in the Premiership table.

Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh has flown in from America to watch Saturday evening’s match.

Numerous fan groups have called for the former MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton manager to be removed from his post and the protest, organised by ultras group Union Bears, saw fans hold up posters displaying pictures of Martin and Stewart with red lines through their faces.

The fan group had issued a statement earlier this week detailing their anger at the current management.

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.

“Patrick Stewart has been quick to criticise supporters, yet has refused to take responsibility for his own catastrophic decision.

“As CEO, the appointment of Russell Martin lies entirely with him.

“This failure proves he is unfit to lead Rangers. His position is untenable, and he must be held accountable.

“The new owners must act quickly and decisively. If they do not, they will leave the support with no option but to act. Rangers must have a management team and a squad capable of delivering success worthy of our history and our support.”

The Rangers Supporters Association has also claimed inaction around Martin is “damaging” the club and urged the club to change head coach as “apathy” sets in.

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.”