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Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct HQ searched by police amidst Rangers investigation

Newcastle United and Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley has had his company’s Derbyshire headquarters searched by police, as part of an investigation in takeovers at Rangers Football Club.

Ashley, who owns almost 9% of the Scottish club, is in charge of Rangers’ retail operations and his influence at the club has significantly grown this year, lending the club £10m in January.

Latest news may fail to surprise many Rangers fans, as controversy seems to have become synonymous with the club in recent years.

Craig Whyte assumed control for £1 in May 2011 with Rangers entering administration the following February for failing to pay £14m in tax.

Whyte was later arrested in an ongoing police investigation into his takeover, subsequently receiving a ban from being a company director.

Charles Green consortium later took control when Rangers entered the Third Division, with Sports Direct beginning their merchandising deal with the club in August 2012.

Police Scotland told the BBC: “We can confirm that officers carried out a search of a property in Derbyshire.

“As this is part of a live inquiry, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

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