Russell Martin accused of throwing Rangers players 'under the bus' after first game of season in explosive interview

Russell Martin gave an explosive post-match interview after Rangers' draw against Motherwell as fans reckon he threw the 'players under the bus' with his sensational ego claim.

Martin, who was appointed in June, took charge of his first Scottish Premiership game on Saturday, having guided his side to victory over Panathinaikos in their Champions League second round qualifier in midweek.

And things got off to a great start when James Tavernier headed home in the 14th minute.

Rangers seemed destined to leave Fir Park with all three league points until Emmanuel Longelo struck three minutes from time.

The result, naturally, frustrated Martin but he was livid with his team's performance and claimed Motherwell were 'braver' and 'more aggressive' than Rangers.

He also called out the egos within the squad in an astonishing post-match interview.

"They were braver than us, more aggressive than us. I said to the players, I’ve been really honest with them and I’ll be really honest with you guys because it’s what the supporters deserve, there’s a default here at this football club and it’s not one person’s fault at all," Martin told Sky Sports.

"The default is to revert to type which is when it’s going really well everyone is all in, it’s really good and when it’s not going well you protect yourself a little bit and it’s self preservation stuff.

"You can’t play for this club and enjoy the really good times when it’s going well and when it’s tough say 'Oh, I’m not really sure'.

"Some of them have to drop their ego. I will look at us tactically and accept my responsibility in it. But today is not really tactical - it’s a mentality problem and we got more than what we deserved, actually."

Russell Martin on the touchline during Motherwell vs. Rangers. Image: Getty

Needless to say, Martin's brutal assessment of his own team got Rangers fans online talking.

While some agreed with his comments, they reckon he threw his 'players under the bus'.

One X user wrote: "Russell Martin throwing his players under the bus after the first game of the season. Its what the fans want to hear to be fair, but that rarely goes well."

A second said: "Russell Martin not holding back with the players there."

A third added: "At least he’s seeing what we are seeing.. however, managers that have been critical have still picked the same players. If Russell Martin makes the same mistake he’s gone by Xmas."

Rangers return to action next Tuesday when they face Viktoria Plzen in their Champions League third qualifier before resuming their league campaign next Saturday against Dundee.