Simon Jordan Fires Back at Martin Criticism, Saying He “Allowed It to Happen

Rangers fans demand Russell Martin’s sacking AGAIN as X-rated chant rings around Livingston

In the escalating turbulence surrounding **Russell Martin’s** troubled tenure at **Rangers**, former Crystal Palace chairman and pundit **Simon Jordan** has struck back at recent comments made about the under‑pressure manager — insisting that many of the problems Martin now faces are self‑inflicted.

Martin’s time at Ibrox has been marred by poor results, mounting fan discontent and growing calls for his removal. The club currently sit in midtable obscurity, far from the lofty expectations placed upon them, and their European campaign ended ignominiously with a 9‑1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League playoffs. ([Ibrox News][1])

Most recently, Martin publicly admitted he was “saddened” by hostile chants from younger fans during their 2‑1 win at Livingston — a victory that might have papered over cracks but failed to stem displeasure from sections of the support. ([Ibrox News][1])

That statement, however, invited a vigorous reaction from Jordan. Speaking on **talkSPORT**, Jordan accused Martin of being too passive — arguing that by failing to assert his authority earlier, he has “allowed this offensive behaviour to happen, and to be seeded in a section of the Rangers fans.” ([Ibrox News][1])

“**He has to be a bit stronger in his press conferences; he has to acknowledge the fact that he has to win football matches**,” Jordan said, adding that Martin’s focus should not be on remarking how some fans behaved, but rather on reversing the slide on the pitch. ([Ibrox News][1])

Jordan, who had initially given Martin some leeway in his new role, has clearly backtracked. He warned that Martin has in large part brought the backlash upon himself by failing to establish control and conviction early in his reign.

“He’s become the **architect of his own downfall**,” Jordan said. “The team hasn’t won matches, and now whatever he does he’s never going to get it back from them.” ([The Scottish Sun][2])

Jordan also urged that Martin adopt a more aggressive posture in media settings, suggesting he address the situation head‑on: “Go into press conferences and say, ‘I’m going to win football matches and if I don’t I’ll suffer the consequences’ … pack it in and give me support.” ([The Scottish Sun][2])

It’s a sharp turnaround from Jordan’s earlier defence of Martin in the wake of the Club Brugge collapse. Back then, Jordan had called for the Rangers board to remain steady and not buckle to fan pressure. “It’s not their job to back down to the mob,” he warned. ([Ibrox News][3])

But the trajectory since then has shifted. The club’s worst start to a domestic season in 47 years, slipping form, and persistent hostility from supporters have shifted public perceptions — and Jordan appears to believe the manager is now beyond the point of simply being granted more time. ([The Scottish Sun][4])

Jordan hasn’t limited his criticism to Martin alone. He’s also condemned fan groups like the Union Bears for their “hysterical reaction,” arguing that they are too quick to demand wholesale change without giving the manager a chance to implement his ideas. ([Football Insider][5])

Still, Jordan draws a clear line: while he once cautioned the board to resist fan pressure, he now believes Martin must resist his critics in turn — by delivering results and demonstrating leadership.

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**Pressure Intensifies at Ibrox**

Rangers’ recent run of results has done little to calm the storm. Their league form remains inconsistent, and off the field, internal tensions and external scrutiny grow. ([Ibrox News][1])

Fans have staged protests, boycotted matches and openly chanted for Martin’s departure — a sign of how fractured the relationship between club and support has become. ([The Scottish Sun][4])

The club’s board, led by chairman **Andrew Cavenagh**, remains publicly loyal to Martin — at least for now. But in the high‑stakes world of Glasgow football, patience is short and expectations are monumental. ([The Scottish Sun][4])

Jordan’s latest interventions suggest he no longer sees Martin as a victim of circumstance, but rather as someone who failed to prevent the very circumstances he now suffers from.

Whether Martin will take up Jordan’s challenge — to speak with conviction, win matches and reclaim support — remains to be seen. But as the scrutiny intensifies, the time for passivity at Rangers may have quietly passed.

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If you like, I can also prepare a short “reaction” analysis piece (pros/cons of Jordan’s view) or adjust the tone. Do you want me to send a version for a fan site (more emotional) or a formal newspaper style?