Social media users have been warned they may be prosecuted for contempt of court if they make prejudicial comments about the Rangers court case.

The Crown Office issued the statement just a day after former owners Charles Green, Craig Whyte and ex-administrator David Whitehouse appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

They have been charged in connection with the acquisition of Rangers assets in 2012.

In a tweet, the Crown Office said: "Please note that the Rangers case remains live under Contempt of Court Act and nothing should be published that might prejudice the case."

A key part of the contempt law is preventing the publication of material which could influence a jury and jeopardise the chances of an accused receiving a fair trial. Those found guilty of contempt of court may be sent to prison.

The comments come as a fourth man appeared in court on charges related to the purchase of the assets of Rangers in 2012.

Paul Clark and Whitehouse both worked for Duff and Phelps and were joint administrators of the Rangers oldco.

Clark, from Surrey, is accused of an offence under Section 28 of the Criminal Justice Licensing Act 2010 which covers serious organised crime.

The 54-year-old, who also faces a charge of conspiracy, made no plea or declaration and was released on bail.

Whyte, 44, Green, 62 and Whitehouse, 50, were charged with the same offences when they appeared at court on Wednesday.

Green also faces a charge of fraud and an offence under Section 190 of the Companies Act 2006.

All three have made no plea or declaration and were granted bail.

Whyte bought the club for £1 for Sir David Murray in May 2011 but by the summer of 2012 Green had taken charge at Ibrox club by purchasing Rangers' assets and business after it went into administration.

Prosecuters today made a move to get extra time to bring Whyte to trial.

The Crown Office are required to serve an indictment against the five this month.

This is effectively the next step in getting any case to trial. But, during a special hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court, the prosecution requested more time to do this.

Clark and Whitehouse were present in court. Sheriff Sean Murphy QC did not make a decision and adjourned the case until Monday.