McLeish plays down arrests

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Co-owner David Sullivan and managing director Karren Brady were arrested by detectives investigating alleged corruption in English football on Wednesday and vehemently denied any wrongdoing on Thursday.

And McLeish has given his backing to his under-fire bosses saying: "It has not been that unusual over the last year or so. I think we have seen other incidents, shall we say. I am sure Karren and David will be okay out of this."

Detectives confirmed they arrested a 59-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and false accounting, but refused to comment on exactly where and when the arrests were made. The pair were released on bail, police confirmed.

A statement from City of London Police said the arrests were made "as part of the City of London Police's ongoing investigation into football corruption".

Mr Sullivan said he was "shocked" and branded the police statement "very unfair".

Speaking from his office at home in Theydon Bois in Essex, he said: "I'm shocked by the whole thing.

"The police statement was very unfair.

"It is to do with two foreign players and the PAYE on those players. This is a complicated tax matter.

"We answered every single question they put to us. We have absolutely nothing to hide. We have done nothing wrong, and we think in due course this will be proven."