A BLAME DUCK

Abuse of Martin has crossed a line but under-fire Ibrox boss isn't helping his cause by refusing to take responsibility for demonstrably awful performances

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A COMPLETE and utter sense of hopelessness surrounds Russell Martin's tenure at Ibrox.

And yet he continues to exude an unmistakable air of superiority in the face of crushing mediocrity on the park.

But there are no winners in Martin's story.

Rangers have been taken over by new owners whose first appointees behind the scenes have chosen the wrong head coach to lead the team.

The players signed at great expense to take the team forward will start today’s game at Livingston one place off the bottom of the Premiership table as proof of their unsuitability

And the Rangers support have been driven to exhibiting conduct that does not show them up in a great light at the same time.

Martin might be miscast in his managerial role while his manner might grate on people expecting a higher level of humility under the prevailing circumstances.

But the bile directed towards him has, on occasion, crossed the line between verbal abuse and antisocial behaviour.

A form of human debasement which confirms Martin will never win over his detractors and which is distressing in nature.