Rangers sack Russell Martin after 123 days in charge

Russell Martin has been sacked as Rangers head coach after 123 days in charge, the club announced on Sunday night, a decision that followed a 1-1 draw at Falkirk that left the Glasgow side in the bottom half of the Scottish Premiership. The club said it had "parted company" with Martin and that "results have not met the club's expectations." Assistant head coach Matt Gill and first-team coach Mike Williamson will also depart.

The draw at Falkirk on Sunday was a flashpoint for growing unrest around Martin's tenure. Supporters briefly blocked the team bus after full time and a large police presence was required to allow players and staff to leave. Images and reports showed Martin escorted from the stadium via a side door and taken away by police in a separate vehicle. Rangers finished the fixture eighth in the 12-team table, 11 points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian and nine behind Celtic, having recorded just one league win in seven matches.

Martin, 39, who was appointed in June on a three-year contract, acknowledged responsibility following the Falkirk match. "They're giving us everything they've got. I have to take responsibility for it, not them," he said after the game....