Judge raps Sport Direct over 'ridiculous' Rangers action

The judge had already cleared Rangers chairman Dave King (right) of committing contempt of court, following allegations made by Mike Ashley (left)

A High Court judge has described legal action brought against Rangers by a sportswear firm run by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley as "ridiculous".

His comments came as Sports Direct halted litigation after claiming a breach of confidentiality in relation to a commercial deal.

Mr Justice Peter Smith approved the discontinuation of the claim at a High Court hearing in London on Wednesday.

He told lawyers the case had been a "ridiculous piece of litigation".

The litigation had been running for nine months and a trial was scheduled for next week.

Mr Justice Smith had already cleared Rangers' chairman Dave King of committing contempt of court, following allegations made by Mr Ashley.

In dismissing the contempt of court charge, the judge said the case should never have been brought and was an abuse of process.

Sports Direct had previously failed in an attempt to have Mr King jailed for allegedly breaching a gagging order relating to the club's retail deal.

On Wednesday, lawyers for Sports Direct said the company would cover all lawyers' bills run up during the dispute. The judge was told that total legal costs were estimated to be about £400,000.

A lawyer representing Rangers said after the hearing that club bosses were "pleased".