This was Mike Ashley's reaction to HMRC case conclusion plus Newcastle United takeover update

By James Copley
Published 6th May 2021, 17:00 BST
Updated 6th May 2021, 18:48 BST
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Mike Ashley has reacted to today’s HMRC news – and dropped a takeover hint.

News has broken today that HMRC have given formal notification that they have dropped their four-year tax investigation against Newcastle United.

The investigation was surrounding the transfer of players such as Demba Ba, Pappis Cisse & Mousa Sissoko from France.

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During the raids, Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley was arrested in a series of dawn raids in 2017 at the club’s training ground and St James’ Park.

OXFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Mike Ashley owner of Newcastle United talks to managing Directory Lee Charnley ahead of the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between Oxford United and Newcastle United at Kassam Stadium on February 04, 2020 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)OXFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Mike Ashley owner of Newcastle United talks to managing Directory Lee Charnley ahead of the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between Oxford United and Newcastle United at Kassam Stadium on February 04, 2020 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
OXFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Mike Ashley owner of Newcastle United talks to managing Directory Lee Charnley ahead of the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between Oxford United and Newcastle United at Kassam Stadium on February 04, 2020 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Speaking today, Mike Ashley said: After four years of the club being subjected to this investigation, I am pleased it has now been discontinued."

Newcastle's owner also dropped a takeover update.

“It is now time for the dark forces that are preventing this football club from becoming the power house that the fans deserve, to step aside.”

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Related topics:HMRCMike AshleyLee Charnley