City of London police carried out early-morning raids on Monday at the grounds of three football clubs – Newcastle United, Portsmouth and Rangers – and the homes of two individuals as part of a probe into football corruption.

Newcastle confirmed it was visited at its St James’ Park stadium but noted that the club itself was not the subject of the investigation. “If the [police] investigation ... or the ongoing internal review of operations by the club’s new owners show that the club has been the victim of any criminal activity, the club will take appropriate action,” it said.