Southampton manager Russell Martin enjoyed being jokingly 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 hosted a match between a Saints Legends side and a Russell Martin XI.
However, despite the team being named after him, Martin started for his side in the clash.
And with Southampton currently second from bottom in the Premier League table, Saints fans present decided to have a bit of fun with their under pressure boss throughout the game.
Whenever he touched the ball, Martin got a chorus of boos from the supporters present.
But rather than taking it the wrong way, Martin clearly clocked the lighthearted nature of the reception, with some supporters on social media saying he was even encouraging them on to do it.
“Russell Martin booed every time he touches the ball,” one fan wrote on X, followed by a laughing face emoji.
Another laughed: “He’s egging it on too!”
“Russell Martin getting booed at his own charity game is f****** hilarious,” a third quipped.
Martin played just shy of 60 minutes of the clash in the end, receiving a huge round of applause as he left the field with his side 3-1 up.
Just before he came off, he said: “I have got another ten minutes in me. I am doing my best to let Saints score but they need to take their chances.”
Fans then crowded round him, asking for photos and autographs.
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The former Norwich defender hung his boots up at then-League One side MK Dons in 2019 to transition from player to manager after the departure of Paul Tisdale at Stadium MK.
He then took over at Swansea, before penning a deal at St Mary’s in June 2023.
He guided Southampton to promotion back to the Premier League in the club’s first season back in the Championship following their relegation the campaign prior.
Martin’s side defeated Leeds and his former Norwich manager Daniel Farke 1-0 at Wembley in May, with Adam Armstrong netting a first-half winner.
Aaron Wilbraham and Wes Hoolahan were also playing in the charity game for Martin’s XI.
Meanwhile, Theo Walcott and Rickie Lambert – who had a penalty saved in the clash – starred in the Saints Legends side.
The clash raised money for Saints Foundation, The Russell Martin Foundation, and The Ex-Saints Association.
Southampton are yet to win a game this season, suffering six defeats and managing one draw so far. They face Leicester after the international break.
