Charles Green's bid to have Rangers pay his legal fees has been rejected by judges.

The businessman's legal team lodged an appeal in December, claiming judge Lord Doherty acted incorrectly when he ruled that Rangers are not legally obliged to pay his costs.

The former Ibrox chief executive's lawyers claimed that a clause within his leaving agreement means that Rangers are obliged to pay his legal costs.

However, three appeal judges have ruled againstr Green and thrown out his bid to have Lord Doherty's ruling overturned.

Lady Dorrian, Lord Bracadale and Lord Malcolm sitting in the Inner House of the Court of Session unanimously reached the decision.

King said Rangers will now "vigorously" pursue Green to recover the legal costs they incurred during the proceedings.

A statement from Rangers said: "We are pleased to advise that the appeal by Charles Green against the decision of the Lord Ordinary to dismiss his application to have Rangers International Football Club PLC meet the expenses of the criminal proceedings brought against him has been refused."

King said: "I am delighted by this decision. When the new board was installed last year we made a commitment that we would protect Rangers interests at all times and hold those who damaged our Club to account.

"This was already evidenced by our success in dealing with the frivolous litigation launched by Sports Direct against the Club and myself - including punitive cost awards in our favour.

"We are unsurprised but delighted that this latest court success brings to an end the unjustifiable claims by Charles Green. He is now totally responsible for the cost of defending himself in the criminal case brought against him for his dealings with the club.

"Furthermore, we will vigorously pursue Charles Green for recovery of the legal costs that we incurred including the £50,000 lodged with the court as a caution."