Rangers and Sports Direct in court clash over kit sales

Bosses at Rangers are embroiled in a High Court row with Sports Direct and Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley.

The dispute centres on a deal through which a company within the Sports Direct group sells replica kit and other branded products.

A judge is analysing the latest stage of the dispute at a High Court hearing in London.

Mr Justice Phillips has heard that SDI Retail Services management want to stop bosses at the Glasgow club entering into a new deal with a "third party''.

SDI bosses say a contract clause means they should have a chance to match any new offer.

Earlier this month, a judge made a holding order temporarily barring bosses at Rangers from signing a new deal.

Mr Justice Phillips is hearing arguments, from lawyers representing both sides, about whether that order should be extended.

Bosses at Rangers were involved in a High Court dispute with Mr Ashley in 2017.

SDI bosses complained that Rangers' directors had wrongly terminated a deal through which branded products were sold.

Rangers' directors disputed the claim and asked a judge to call a halt to the litigation.

A judge made a ruling in Mr Ashley's favour. Judge Richard Millett decided that the litigation could continue.

Barrister William McCormick QC, who led the Rangers' legal team, told Judge Millett how fans had become angry after learning the club only got about 7p of every £1 spent and had staged a merchandise boycott.

Mr McCormick said fans thought Mr Ashley pocketed too much of their money. He said there was a widespread view that no self-respecting'' Rangers' supporter wore a replica shirt.

Earlier this month Rangers announced that players would wear a new Hummel kit during the 2018-19 season.

A spokesman said Hummel was the club's new technical kit supplier''.

The home kit jersey will be the traditional Royal Blue colourway with side panels carrying four iconic Hummel chevrons to each side of the jersey,'' said the spokesman in a statement.

Made from Hummel's BeeCool performance sports fabric, this classically-styled jersey is designed to aid the players in achieving maximum performance on the field, with the jersey's dark blue vented mesh panels helping to regulate player temperature throughout the game.''