NUFC Owner Mike Ashley's Sports Direct Confirm Police Visit In Rangers Investigation

Police Scotland travel down for questioning at SD's headquarters...

By Ross Tweddell /

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley's Sports Direct have confirmed that their offices have been visited by police as part of an on-going, two year investigation into the ownership of Rangers. Detectives investigating the behaviour of former Rangers hierarchy members Craig Whyte and Charles Green travelled down to the Sports Direct headquarters in Derbyshire for questioning. This is because United's owner Ashley, of course, is also a very influential player in the running of Rangers having started investing in the former Scottish Champions over three years ago. The investigated is stemmed from when Whyte bought Gers from previous owner Sir David Murray for £1 in 2011. The Ibrox club went into administration in February 2012 and then liquidation in July 2012. Green then stepped in to buy Rangers, although his turbulent reign was ended when allegations that he had links to Whyte at the time of the original buy-out in 2011 we rife. It must be clear that the investigation is not directed at Sports Direct. They have done nothing wrong as part of this case but still co-operated fully. A Sports Direct statement read: "The premises of Sports Direct at Shirebrook were visited by Police Scotland conducting an investigation relating to Glasgow Rangers FC and various persons previously employed by and or associated with Rangers. €œThe police investigation is not directed at Sports Direct or at any of its directors or employees. The police were seeking documentation which might assist the investigation. €œSports Direct has co-operated fully and will continue to co-operate in the provision of information that the police request." Police Scotland refused to give too much away regarding the investigation saying: "We can confirm that officers carried out a search of property in Derbyshire. As this is a live enquiry it would be inappropriate to comment any further." For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.