Celtic legend Neil Lennon hits out at BLOODLUST towards Rangers boss Russell Martin as he blasts ‘it's ridiculous'

Scottish Sun

2 days ago

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CELTIC hero Neil Lennon has launched a defence of Rangers boss Russell Martin.
The Hoops legend had branded the 'bloodlust' being aimed at Martin as 'ridiculous.'
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GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 09: Russell Martin, Manager of Rangers looks on prior to the Premier League match between Rangers and Dundee at Ibrox Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by)
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Alamy Live News. 3BREDTG Tynecastle Park Edinburgh Scotland, UK. 12th July, 2025. Hearts vs Dunfermline Premier Sports Cup group match. Dunfermline Manager Neil Lennon . Credit: eric mccowat/Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our […]
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10.08.2025 Aberdeen v Celtic, SPFL Premiership ……………………………. Kieran Tierney at end with Brendan Rodgers
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Having seen-off Viktoria Plzen in the first leg of Champions League qualifying last Tuesday, Rangers fans were expecting big things once again as Dundee travelled to Ibrox on Saturday.
Instead, it was more domestic woe for the Light Blues as they needed a last gasp penalty to rescue a 1-1 draw.
The Gers have taken just two points from their first two Premiership matches and already trail rivals Celtic by four points.
The fans inside Ibrox on Saturday were vocal in their displeasure, resoundingly booing Martin's substitutions and also jeering at the final whistle.
It's very early days, of course, but the heat is already on the boss from some sections of the support.
Celtic legend Neil Lennon thinks that's 'ridiculous' so early on.
Appearing on talkSPORT Breakfast with Ally McCoist, Lennon said: "It's early days. With Rangers, they've got to qualify for the Champions League so there are mitigating circumstances I always think with this time of year.
"You're playing tough European games in a midweek and then having to play against a team who are really motivated, I had problems myself as a manager in those sort of spells.
"And then Russell's just in the door. He's still got to put his imprint really on the way he wants to play on the team.
"But the bloodlust at the minute up here is just ridiculous.
Brendan Rodgers video on Tierney being sick
"We're talking one or two games and people are questioning his tenure.
"Then you've got on the other side of the city people criticising Brendan (Rodgers) or the style of play when they've made a perfect start to the season.
"You've just got to be laser focused and try and block out the noise and just not listen to it.
"It's ridiculous."
Lennon was also referring to Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers' comments in the aftermath of the Hoops' 2-0 win over Aberdeen.
Rodgers took issue with criticism of his style of football, saying: "I heard something the other day about 'we don't play good football and we haven't in the last two years.'
"So I think there's a number of people that really don't like me here at Celtic.
"But with me and looking at the team, I'm really happy to see how the players are, the current players that we have."
Going back to Rangers, McCoist stated his belief that Rangers need to strengthen still at the back and in the striker department.
But Lennon reckons things are more deep-rooted and it's the entire CULTURE of the club that Martin needs to change first and foremost.
He continued: "They've still got a problem with the culutre in the dressing room.
"They played great against Plzen and then find it difficult to raise their game for the bread and butter games.
"That was so apparent last year when they had some great victories and then couldn't do it in the bread and butter games, particularly at home.
"He needs to address that as quickly as possible and just get more consistency out of results.
McCoist agreed, responding: "I think you're right. Lenny, it's a mentality thing. It's a mentality issue.
"With Rangers and Celtic you can be playing in the San Siro or whever but equal importance is when you go to Fir Park or Pittodrie, it's a mental thing more than anything."
Rangers face Viktoria Plzen again tomorrow night with a 3-0 advantage from the first leg.
If they finish the job, they'll advance to the Champions League play-off round with a place on the league stage on the line against either Red Bull Salzburg or Club Brugge.
Celtic will also enter the competition at the play-off stage and will face either Kairat Almaty or Slovan Bratislava.
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