Under-pressure Southampton coach Russell Martin jokingly 'booed every time he touched the ball' in St Mary's clash
Southampton manager Russell Martin enjoyed being playfully booed by Saints fans during a legends charity game at St Mary's.
With the international break putting the Premier League on pause this week, Southampton It hosted a match between a Saints Legends team and a Russell Martin XI.
However, even though the team bears his name, Martín started for his team in the clash.
And with Southampton currently second from bottom in the Premier League table, the Saints fans in attendance decided to have a little fun with their boss under pressure throughout the game.
Every time he touched the ball, Martin received a chorus of boos from the fans present.
But rather than take it the wrong way, Martin clearly noted the joyful nature of the reception, and some followers on social media said he was even encouraging them to do it.
“Russell Martin booed every time he touched the ball,” one fan wrote on X, followed by a laughing face emoji.
Another laughed: “He's inciting too!”
“Russell Martin getting booed at his own charity game is fucking hilarious,” joked a third.
In the end, Martin played just under 60 minutes of the game and received huge applause when he left the field with his team up 3-1.
Just before leaving, he said: “I have another ten minutes left. I'm doing everything I can to get the Saints to score, but they have to take advantage of their opportunities.”
Fans then crowded around him, asking for photos and autographs.
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The former Norwich defender hung up his boots at then League One side MK Dons in 2019 to move from player to coach following the departure of Paul Tisdale at Stadium MK.
He then took up the role at Swansea, before completing a deal at St Mary's in June 2023.
He guided Southampton to promotion to the Premier League in the club's first season in the Championship following their relegation the previous season.
Martin's team defeated Leeds and his former Norwich manager Daniel Farke 1-0 at Wembley in May, with Adam Armstrong scoring the winning goal in the first half.
Aaron Wilbraham and Wes Hoolahan also played in the charity match for Martin's XI.
Meanwhile, Theo Walcot and Rickie Lambert, who had a penalty saved in the crash, starred for the Saints Legends team.
The crash raised money for the Saints Foundation, the Russell Martin Foundation and the Ex-Saints Association.
Southampton are yet to win a game this season, suffering six defeats and achieving one draw so far. They face Leicester after the international break.
