Rangers Sydney Super Cup latest as Old Firm trademark 'at centre' of fresh Celtic friendly bone of contention

A report has claimed under-fire Rangers are "increasingly unlikely" to take part in November's Sydney Super Cup.

The controversial tournament, which is set to feature a friendly against rivals Celtic in the first derby between the pair played overseas, has led to incessant protests from fans at home and away matches.

And now the Rangers Review claim the use of the 'Old Firm' moniker and associated trademark is said to be another bone of contention in terms of branding in Australia.

Celtic and Rangers jointly renewed an "Old Firm" trademark last year and Parkhead CEO Michael Nicholson was forced to defend that move at the AGM with the club having earlier tweeted "we're not half of anything."

Quizzed on the move, Nicholson said: "The cost of renewal was low and the purpose of renewal was not to hitch ourselves to a brand, but to enable us to control the benefits of it use, not for the purposes of using it."

The "Old Firm" trademark - given number UK00002264673 - was first registered back on March 2, 2001 - with "The Old Firm" - given number UK0002181523A - dating back to 1998.

Marketing the game in Sydney as the 'Old Firm' or 'Glasgow Derby' leaves organisers caught in the middle, knowing they are likely to upset one half of the fans

Banners called out the club's managing director Stewart Robertson in the Europa League against Red Star while Record Sport told you last week the club were weighing up the financial levy of pulling out.

Sunday's visit to Dundee was then halted three times due to various objects being thrown on the park.

And Tuesday saw fan group Club 1872 blast the club for showing "contempt" towards fans in a statement.

Former chairman Dave King has also offered to pay whatever is necessary to back