‘A guilty man’ – Lawrence Shankland booed by Rangers fans following controversial Hearts moment
Rangers found themselves a goal down early on once again against Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, going on to lose the match 2-0.
Russell Martin is under pressure due to Rangers’ poor form to start the season, drawing all four of their opening league games.
A positive 0-0 draw at home against Old Firm rivals Celtic gave Martin reasons to be optimistic over the international break.
That optimism was quickly shot down when second-placed Hearts came into town though, with Martin’s side finding themselves 1-0 down early at Ibrox.
Rangers struggle again
Rangers were looking to get their early season back on track against Hearts, despite the two side’s differing starts to the season.
On Gilette Soccer Saturday, boos could be heard as the report came through following Lawrence Shankland’s opener for the visitors, the first of his two goals this afternoon.
Sky Sports’ reporter Gordon Duncan reported: “The boos are ringing here [Ibrox] because the goal has fallen to Hearts. But Lawrence Shankland does look a guilty man.
“He looked to handle to ball in the build up, but a lot happened after it. The referee has looked at it and Shankland is celebrating.”
Russell Martin criticised for start
Martin has been embroiled in a public row with midfielder Nicolas Raskin, adding pressure on the ex-Southampton boss.
Martin’s issues with Raskin haven’t helped his standing with the Rangers faithful, but his side’s poor form has caused unrest within the fanbase.
| Rangers 2025-26 season | |
| vs Motherwell (A) | 1-1 |
| vs Dundee (H) | 1-1 |
| vs St Mirren (A) | 1-1 |
| vs Celtic (H) | 0-0 |
| vs Hearts (H) | 0-2 |
Three 1-1 draws to start the season as well as their 0-0 Old Firm draw have left Martin’s side seventh in the table.
Martin will hope his side can turn things around after the international break, as the 39-year-old comes under increasing scrutiny in Glasgow.