Rangers' abject start to the season continues

Rangers 0 - 1 Genk

Rangers’ woeful start to the season continued as Oh Hyeon-gyu’s goal, combined with Mohamed Diomande’s first-half red card, handed Genk a Europa League victory.

Author | Mark Lee

Stadium | Ibrox

Kick-off in Glasgow

Under-pressure head coach Russell Martin was seeking successive wins for the first time, but his side were second-best for long periods against a Belgian side who squandered numerous opportunities.

In recent seasons, this competition has offered Rangers a welcome distraction from domestic struggles, but it quickly became apparent that even that would elude them this time. The result added to Martin’s mounting frustrations, highlighting his inability to generate momentum or positivity.

Discipline issues cost Russell Martin’s side

Rangers were already on the back foot before Diomande lunged recklessly at Zakaria El Ouahdi just before half-time. A straight red card was fully justified. Earlier in the match, John Souttar had appeared to provide a moment of hope when his angled header threatened to find the net, only for Bryan Heynen to produce a remarkable overhead clearance.

The scene raised questions over whether Rangers’ players are letting their manager down. Watching Martin’s reaction to Diomande’s sending-off, it was hard not to feel sympathy for him. Rangers were second-best, disorganised in defence, wasteful in possession, and lacking direction. Even before the red card, it seemed that any calm Martin had restored following Saturday’s League Cup win over Hibernian was about to evaporate.

Missed Genk penalty

Diomande’s reckless challenge effectively sealed the outcome. By reducing his team to ten men, he left his teammates exposed and vulnerable. His lack of self-control was inexcusable, and the look of bewilderment on his face afterwards only emphasised his poor decision-making. Once again, the player fell far short of the promise he has shown at his best.

Fan frustration and apathy grows at Ibrox

The atmosphere reflected the club’s troubles, with around 12,000 tickets left unsold. Boos rang out alongside chants calling for Martin’s dismissal, becoming a familiar feature at Ibrox. Cameras captured chairman Andrew Cavenagh and chief executive Patrick Stewart in the directors’ box, their expressions unreadable.

Cavenagh has publicly supported the manager, but it is hard to imagine he has no doubts about the current state of the team or the club’s investment in players. Rangers’ operations appear to be in disarray. Quality of play, results, recruitment and relations with supporters are all under scrutiny, and few aspects of the club seem to be functioning as they should.