Rangers Suffer Controversial 1-0 Europa League Defeat to Genk Amid Fan Unrest

Rangers suffered a 1-0 defeat to Genk in their opening Europa League match, intensifying fan frustration with manager Russell Martin amid a poor start to the season. The sole goal came from former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu, and the match featured controversial moments including a denied penalty for Rangers and a red card for a Genk player, but these did not mask the overall disappointing performance and lack of belief on the pitch. Fans expressed disillusionment with the team's slow and predictable play, leading to protests against Martin and noticeably empty seats at Ibrox, which raised concerns about the club's finances and management strategy. Former player Ally McCoist criticized the penalty decision and highlighted the poor atmosphere and lack of energy during the game, underscoring that the manager is in significant trouble and change is needed. Additionally, a remarkable goalline clearance by Genk's Bryan Heynan prevented Rangers from scoring, exemplifying the defensive struggles. Calls have been made for the club's American ownership to begin searching for a new manager and overhaul recruitment, reflecting the mounting pressure on Martin and the club's leadership.