Rangers fans demand immediate dismissals of Martin and Stewart as Ibrox tension rises before Hibs Cup clash

Rangers faced renewed pressure from a leading supporters group who called for the immediate dismissal of manager Russell Martin and chief executive Patrick Stewart ahead of Saturday's Premier Sports Cup quarter-final with Hibs.

After last Saturday's home defeat to Hearts left the Ibrox club on four points and 10th in the Scottish Premiership, their worst league start since 1978-79, the situation has intensified calls for leadership changes. The Ultras group Union Bears posted a message urging fans to gather outside the stadium before the match, instructing: "Martin out, Stewart out. Ibrox main entrance. 4.30pm Saturday." In a statement, the Union Bears said they stood with fellow fan groups and the wider support in demanding the immediate removal of the Rangers management team and CEO. "Martin has shown beyond doubt that he is not capable of leading Rangers Football Club. Rangers fans have seen enough and are demanding that Russell Martin is sacked before Saturday's game with Hibs." They also argued that "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." The message concluded: "The new owners must act quickly and decisively. If they do not, they will leave the support with no option but to act."

Martin has won only three of 12 games since arriving this summer and the Ibrox club were knocked out of Champions League qualifying with a 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge. Despite the criticism, he has said he does not plan to quit, insisting he will prepare for the upcoming match against Hibs.

The Rangers Supporters Association has said inaction over Martin's future is damaging the club, urging the hierarchy to replace the head coach as apathy spreads among supporters. "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," the association wrote in a statement. "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." They added that the club must act now to resolve the situation and set out a clear strategy for the way forward.

The note also underscored that the appointment of Martin lies with Stewart and that the new American owners have to act decisively to restore stability and faith among the fanbase ahead of the cup tie.

Rangers are due to face Hibs in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final, with David Gray’s men seeking to reach a domestic final and complicate Rangers’ season amid mounting pressure on Martin and Stewart. The unfolding dispute has reflected broader tensions under the club's ownership in the wake of last season's upheavals and a difficult start to the campaign.