Rangers manager Russell Martin has avoided a touchline ban after being sent off during the 2-2 friendly draw with Middlesbrough. Martin was ordered to the stands by referee John Beaton for protesting the non-award of a penalty when Luke Ayling appeared to handle the ball in the box.
Martin admitted he overstepped the mark and apologised to Beaton after the match. The official also apologised to Martin for the decision. “We shook hands and had a chat after and they accepted my apology and he apologised about the decision as well. So, hopefully it's all just done and dusted,” Martin said.
The Rangers boss watched the second-half fightback from the stands and acknowledged he needs to adapt to Scottish football. “I need to get used to how it works up here compared to down the road,” he added.
Martin also provided injury updates ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos. Hamza Igamane and Thelo Aasgaard both missed the Middlesbrough game with knocks but could be available for the second leg. “We have a couple of big decisions to make on Wednesday,” Martin said.
Robin Propper completed his move back to FC Twente, and Martin expects more departures as he trims his squad. “I think we have interest in a fair few of the players,” he said.
