Rangers striker Hamza Igamane caused a stir on Sunday after refusing to come off the bench during his side’s 1-1 draw away to St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.
The Moroccan forward, who was expected to feature in the second half, reportedly told manager Russell Martin he could not play despite having trained and warmed up as normal before the game.
The incident has thrown fresh doubt over his future at Ibrox, with the transfer window still open.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Martin expressed his frustration at the unexpected turn of events.
Hamza told me he was injured. He trained normally yesterday, he warmed up normally. In the 60th minute, I turned around to bring him on and he explained to me that he couldn’t play, the Rangers boss explained.
Martin admitted he was perplexed by the striker’s refusal but attempted to keep an open mind.
I don’t know. I have to trust him, but we’ll see, he said, hinting at the uncertainty surrounding the player’s commitment to the team.
The drama comes against the backdrop of transfer speculation.
Rangers rejected a recent bid for Igamane, though the club interested has not been disclosed.
Martin acknowledged the distraction the ongoing transfer window is creating within his squad.
The problem is that the transfer window is still open. Some players have one foot in, one foot out. We need players who are fully committed, he stressed, calling for an end to the market as soon as possible.
Igamane’s decision has cast further doubt on his role at Rangers.
🔵 “Perspective important”
🏃♂️ Only concerning himself with messages to players
😳 Hamza Igamane REFUSING to playRussell Martin’s post-match interview in full after Rangers’ third successive Premiership draw this afternoon at St Mirren ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/1pQJxQ27PI
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) August 24, 2025
The 22-year-old, who scored 16 goals last season, quickly became a fan favourite at Ibrox thanks to his sharp finishing and determined displays.
But interest from French clubs — notably Lens and Lille — has unsettled the striker in recent months.
His current status as a substitute, coupled with the uncertainty over his future, appears to have left him frustrated.
For Rangers, who have struggled at the start of the campaign with three consecutive 1-1 draws leaving them seventh in the table, Igamane was expected to provide a much-needed attacking spark.
Instead, his refusal to play could mark a turning point in his time at the club.
Whether he remains in Glasgow beyond the transfer window remains unclear.
If no resolution is found, the Moroccan international may face disciplinary action or risk being sidelined for the rest of the season.
Either way, Sunday’s incident has left his future with Rangers hanging in the balance.
