Newcastle United fans have mocked the club for publishing a very short statement regarding the HMRC's widespread investigation into suspected £5m tax fraud in football.

The UK tax authority released a statement on Wednesday confirming that "several men" working within football were arrested and that 180 HMRC officers were investigating various properties across the country and in France.

The Guardian reported that Newcastle's offices, including those at the club's Darsley Park training ground were raided.

The home of managing director Lee Charnley was also searched, and the man himself was arrested and later released without charge.

The club were silent throughout the day when the events were unfolding, but at 6.18pm they released a very short statement, failing to provide much information.

It read:

"Newcastle United can confirm that a member of its staff has this morning been assisting HMRC with their inquiries. The club will be making no further comment at this time."

As expected, fans were not particularly impressed with the Magpies' update.

The HMRC confirmed that business records, financial records, mobile phones and computers have been seized in their widespread raid.

West Ham United's London Stadium was also searched, while documentation was requested during a visit to Chelsea's Stamford Bridge.

There has been no confirmation yet as to what clubs or individuals are at the centre of this investigation.

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