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      Neymar becomes unemployed as Brazil icon’s £2.5m-a-week Al Hilal contract is terminated with 45-word statement

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      NEYMAR rolled credits on his hapless stint in Saudi Arabia as he had his contract with Al Hilal terminated by mutual consent.The star forward moved to the Saudi Pro League from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 and signed a whopping £2.5million-a-week deal with the club.Neymar had his contract with Al Hilal terminated by mutual consentCredit: ReutersNeymar endured a hapless two-year stint at Al Hilal marred by injuryCredit: GettyHowever, the Brazil international endured a series of injury setbacks, including a devastating cruciate ligament tear that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2023-24 season.The 32-year-old only managed one goal and three assists in a mere seven appearances during a disappointing two-year stint at the Kingdom Arena.That led the ex-Barcelona star to an unceremonious exit as he agreed with Al Hilal to tear the megamoney deal up.The club issued a brief and bland announcement to confirm Neymar’s exit.Read More on FootballAl Hilal announced: “Al Hilal and Neymar agree to terminate contract by mutual consent.”Al Hilal club company and Neymar Jr have agreed to terminate their contractual relationship by mutual consent.”The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career with Al Hilal, and wish the player success in his career.”According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Neymar is heading back to Santos.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThe versatile forward burst onto the scene with the Brazilian giants where he amassed a staggering 136 goals and 64 assists in 225 appearances.That led to a big move to Barcelona in 2013 where he registered 105 goals and 76 assists in 186 matches during a four-year stint that included two LaLiga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies and the 2015 Champions League.Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starRomano claims Neymar is set to undergo a medical with Santos after flying back to Brazil. More

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      Chelsea star who cost £112m eyed for shock transfer to Premier League rivals

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      ASTON VILLA could move for Chelsea’s Joao Felix as Emi Buendia looks to be leaving the club.Villa winger Buendia is close to agreeing a loan to Bayer Leverkusen, which includes an option to make the deal permanent for £17million.Aston Villa could move for Chelsea’s Joao FelixCredit: RexBuendia, 28, signed a one-year contract extension until 2027 on Sunday.But his future appears to be away from Villa Park with boss Unai Emery looking for his replacement.And the Spaniard could move for 25-year-old Blues forward Joao Felix.Felix was Emery’s top summer target before the Portugal star’s £38.4m move from Atletico Madrid to Stamford Bridge.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd, with Felix starting just three times in the Premier League so far this season, Villa could reignite their interest before the January transfer window closes.Whether a move would be permanent or on loan may depend on another piece of business.Villa are also keen on Chelsea defender Axel Disasi and are battling with Wolves to seal a temporary switch.Emery wants defensive reinforcements after selling Diego Carlos to Fenerbahce and seeing Tyrone Mings hit by a fresh injury during Sunday’s 1-1 draw against West Ham.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Prem rules ban clubs from taking more than one player on loan from any club, meaning a deal for Felix – who cost Atletico Madrid £112m in 2019 – would have to be permanent if Disasi also heads to Villa.Villa and Wolves meet at Molineux on Saturday with both in desperate need of central defensive reinforcements.Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers everMings, who returned in October after 445 days out injured, fell to the turf in tears after injuring a knee again at the weekend.But Mings eased fears of another long lay-off by posting on Instagram: “I’ve had some serious knee injuries, this isn’t one of them.”Emery has also moved for Villarreal’s Juan Foyth, 27, who he worked with previously as boss of the Spanish club. Argentine Foyth plays centre-back and right-back which appeals to Emery.Villa could push to land Foyth AND 26-year-old Disasi given that Ezri Konsa is the club’s only available senior centre-back — with Pau Torres facing another month out with a broken foot.France international Disasi has started just three Premier League games all season.Even with fellow centre-backs Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile sidelined by injuries, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has largely restricted the £39m signing from Monaco to Conference League and cup games. More

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      Why Ange Postecoglou hasn’t been sacked by Tottenham – from player power to trophy boast and Daniel Levy relationship

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      WHEN the anti-Daniel Levy noise cranks up, it usually leads to change at Tottenham.The change that fans are demanding right now is in the boardroom — but usually that ends up coming in the dugout.Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou with boss Daniel LevyCredit: GettySpurs fans have voiced their angerCredit: RexAnd, yet, the chairman with one of the itchiest trigger-fingers in football appears to be bucking the trend of a lifetime by sticking by manager Ange Postecoglou.That is despite Spurs slumping to 15th and being in danger of getting sucked into a relegation battle.Although the Aussie reacted snappily to a fan accusing him of just that as he walked down the tunnel after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester.And this despite the ‘Levy Out’ chants during, and after, that miserable home defeat to the Foxes — who had lost their previous seven on the spin — reaching new decibel levels.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAs well as the chants, banners were unfurled in the stands which included one saying: “24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy . . . TIME FOR CHANGE.”The question is, why is Levy sticking by Postecoglou right now?It is baffling the football world and is multi-faceted in its answer.First of all, the dismissals Levy has presided over — and there have been 12 permanent ones during his near-quarter of a century at the helm — have normally been preceded by a relationship breakdown between himself and the manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat was the case with Harry Redknapp and later with Mauricio Pochettino, whose comments to the media towards the end of his reign irked Levy.­But that fracturing does not appear to have happened with Postecoglou, who has resisted every opportunity to criticise the Spurs higher-ups publicly.Ange Postecoglou gives Tottenham fan death stare in tense tunnel confrontation after Leicester defeatIn this painfully quiet transfer window, staggeringly, Spurs have recruited no outfield players despite their injury crisis.Yet the nearest that Postecoglou has come to a pointed comment has been to say the club would be “playing with fire” by not signing anyone.Player power has had an influence, too. Nuno Espirito Santo — now flying high with Nottingham Forest — was sacked after just ten Prem games in part after losing the dressing room.Italian firecracker Antonio Conte castigated his players to the point of no return in that amazing press-conference meltdown at Southampton in March 2023… and was gone soon after.The chairman with one of the itchiest trigger-fingers in football appears to be bucking the trend of a lifetime by sticking by manager Ange Postecoglou.Yet Postecoglou’s crocked squad, by all accounts, are just about still behind him.Then there is the fact Levy has tried chopping and changing managers before — the average tenure of a boss during his reign has been 23 months — to little effect.And Pochettino’s five-plus years in charge heavily skews that figure.So the supremo, who celebrates his 63rd birthday next month, has tried a different tack in recent years.Mauricio Pochettino left with no silverware won at SpursCredit: AFP or licensorsAntonio Conte castigated his players to the point of no returnCredit: RexNuno Espirito Santo was sacked after just ten Prem gamesCredit: PAIt used to be that he was involved in just about everything.Harry Kane would go on to become the greatest player in the club’s history but back when he was a teenager, you would not expect the chairman to be as heavily involved in an academy player’s contract negotiations as Levy was back then.Yet that has eased off of late, to a certain extent, with the likes of Rebecca Caplehorn — director of football administration and governance — technical director Johan Lange and Scott Munn, chief football officer and de facto No 2 to Levy, taking more prominent responsibilities.These are among the individuals Levy is understood to consult when weighing up big calls.Along with external individuals like Leon Angel, head of leading sports agency CAA Base, former managing director of football Fabio Paratici and, in years gone by, David Pleat.The new approach does not mean patience with Postecoglou will last forever at Spurs.But there is considerable sympathy for his crock crisis, with ten senior players out injured against Leicester.While there is also cause for hope from the cup competitions and Europe.Postecoglou has been hit with injury problemsCredit: AlamyVictory over Elfsborg on Thursday night will secure a last-16 spot in the Europa League.And winning the competition outright would not only end the club’s 17-year trophy drought but also get them back into the Champions League.Spurs are joint-favourites to win that competition and should have some senior players back for the knockout stages.And how easy would it be to hire a replacement for Postecoglou right now anyway?Consider the months-long pursuits of successors to Jose Mourinho and Conte, when Kane was still at the club and Tottenham’s position in the league was relatively strong (seventh and fourth respectively).Even if they managed to prise someone like Andoni Iraola away from high-flying Bournemouth, he would still have the same injury problems and the same inexperienced squad.But the other factor is, this time, changing the manager would not quell the anger from supporters towards Levy. If anything, it would increase it.It is questionable whether that deflection strategy even worked in the past but were Levy to do it now, all the heat would be on him and him alone.’The trust looks to have gone’That may be the case already, and certainly seemed to be on Sunday as enraged supporters called for his head.The trust looks to have gone with a number of fed-up fans, whose gripes include controversial change to season-ticket concessions and a reduction in wage-bill spending.Former Tottenham goalkeeper Michel Vorm, 41, reckons there could be a way to start fixing this seemingly-broken relationship between Levy and the fanbase.The Dutchman told SunSport: “He’s quite open. His office is always open to have a chat.“I know that his love for Tottenham is massive. He won’t approach players that quick — but he is far more approachable than people know.“Maybe if he would be a bit more open in public, people would then understand more what’s going on behind the scenes at the club.”A protest against Levy and the ownership is planned ahead of next month’s home game against Manchester United by activists Change for Tottenham.These calls-to-arms have not had the desired effect in the past.Michel Vorm reckons there could be a way to start fixing this seemingly-broken relationship between Levy and the fanbaseCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe ENIC Group even marginally increased their majority shareholding to 86.91 per cent in December, which does not hint at an imminent exit.Yet Jamie Coughlan, of Change for Tottenham, said: “The pressure the fans are cranking up will have an effect.“Whilst ultimately he is the chairman, the club is still owned by ENIC.“The bad press that we are creating may affect future sponsorship deals or partnerships, which could lead to the real ownership looking to sell.“What I think has changed is the fact it won’t be long before he has severe pressure placed on him elsewhere.”Those who have worked with Levy talk about his extraordinarily thick skin.But that last point could have some validity. Levy is on record as saying the club are looking for fresh investment.Should potential investors be put off by a toxic atmosphere in the ground, maybe that could affect Levy’s thought process. READ MORE SUN STORIESLikely it would far more than how he is perceived by supporters.But Levy does not appear to be going anywhere and, for now at least, the same can be said for his manager.Levy could stick with manager PostecoglouCredit: PA More

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      From snorting coke to moaning he was ‘too big’ to ref Coventry, nine moments in David Coote’s downfall

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      TWO days after his Klopp comments went viral, The Sun revealed on November 13 Coote snorted cocaine in a video taken on July 6 while he was officiating at the Euros.COOTE: “The drugs happened on an entirely ad-hoc basis. It fills me with a huge sense of shame to sit here and to say that I took that route.”The nine moments in Premier League referee David Coote’s downfallCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd1.The Sun revealed that Coote snorted cocaine in a video taken while he was officiating at the Euros2.Coote said in video chats table toppers Liverpool ‘will not win the Premier League’Credit: GettyCOOTE said in video chats table toppers Liverpool “will not win the Premier League”.COOTE: “I guess I’m a human being who made a mistake in a moment I now deeply regret.”3.He branded the Reds defender Andy Robertson a ‘Scottish p****’Credit: GettyTHE ref branded the Reds defender Andy Robertson a “Scottish p****.”COOTE: “I certainly don’t think that. Everybody who takes to the football field is full of emotion. When we’re involved in the game, things will be said that people don’t mean. Read More on Sport”I’m pretty sure there’s been plenty of players or managers that have said things about me they wouldn’t sit here and say they believe. The same is true of us as match officials.”4.Coote said Everton’s Goodison Park was the worst place to referee, due to the fans ‘shouting abuse so close to the pitch’Credit: GettyHE said Everton’s Goodison Park was the worst place to referee, due to the fans “shouting abuse so close to the pitch”.COOTE: “It’s certainly not the worst place to officiate. Each ground, depending on how the result goes, can be just as difficult as any other. “So there’s no particular ground that’s more difficult than the other because it’s all really circumstance dependent.”Most read in Football5.The ref said he hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it is ‘too far away’Credit: GettyCOOTE said he hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it is “too far away”.COOTE: “We’re asked to go north, south, east and west, and all over Europe. Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder”There’s teams of officials that have been as far as Kazakhstan to do games. I was sent to Indonesia, so distance travel is never an issue.”6.He moaned he was ‘too big’ to have to ref at Coventry’s ground for their Championship clash against Oxford UtdCredit: GettyTHE ref moaned he was “too big” to have to ref at Coventry’s ground for their Championship clash against Oxford Utd on August 16.COOTE: “The Championship is a fantastic league and my experience of Coventry and all of the other games in the league have been really good ones — some of the most exciting football you’ll get to see.”7.The ref arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester CityCredit: ReutersCOOTE arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester City on October 30. During the interval he messaged his pal to say: “Hope you’re getting ready for me.”COOTE: “It never happened. These kinds of messages were among the behaviours I engaged with in order to escape.“It was almost like a different me and it’s something I really regret doing.“Clearly now I regret entering into those conversations.“I’ve paid the price for having them and that’s been a heavy one from a career and emotional perspective.”8.Coote giving a yellow card to Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski before a 2019 match against West BromCredit: YouTubeAT the centre of an FA betting probe after he discussed giving a yellow card to Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski before a 2019 match against West Brom. He messaged a pal: “I hope you backed as discussed.”COOTE: “I can categorically say that I’ve only ever done my best when I’ve gone onto the field of play.”9. Coote was sacked by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL)Credit: PASACKED by the PGMOL.COOTE: “I have nearly 30 years experience of refereeing and I understood the implications of the situation I found myself in and the position the PGMOL were in.”The Sun’s back page reported on Coote’s X-rated Klopp rantIT’S VERY BRAVE MOVEBy AMAL FASHANU, Niece of Justin who runs foundation in his name“IT is very brave for anyone to come out, but more so for someone in the public eye.“This will affect David Coote and is a big step but it should have less of an effect that in would on a player. It’s not the same level of fame.”Amal Fashanu, niece of JustinCredit: Darren FletcherNorwich striker Justin killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come outCredit: Getty – ContributorAmal, whose former Norwich striker uncle killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come out, added: “We’d love to chat to him at the foundation.“We’d be there to offer any support and counselling.“We also help people with mental health problems and would be there for him if that was an issue.“There’s still something very wrong at the top of football.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re in 2025, when everyone is supposedly liberal and accepting, yet something is stopping these men accepting who they are.“Football is still failing in this regard.” More

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      Tearful David Coote apologises for calling Jurgen Klopp ‘a German c**t’ insisting he ‘wasn’t sober’ during rant

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      DAVID Coote has made a tearful apology to ex-Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp and “anybody who I’ve offended by my actions”.The now-axed referee made headlines worldwide when footage emerged of him calling Klopp a “German c***”.Tearful David Coote has apologised for calling ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp ‘a German c**t’Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdThe referee tearfully admits he ‘wasn’t sober’ but knew the video was being taken in 2020 during CovidCredit: GettyEmotional Coote admits that he “was not sober” at the time but knew he was being recorded during Covid in 2020 when social distancing meant large gatherings were forbidden.The official has also declared in video chats that Liverpool “will not win the Premier League” this season.And he branded the Reds’ defender and Scotland captain Andy Robertson a “Scottish p****.”Coote said: “I want to apologise to anybody who I’ve offended by my actions.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTE“I recognise that they fell well short of standards that are expected of a top level referee and I deeply regret saying what I said.”He went on: “That video has been with somebody for more than four years.“I’d forgotten it existed and I was sitting waiting for my car to be serviced and then received a call to say that it had surfaced on social media and I was devastated.”Remorseful Coote added: “I deeply regret that I found myself in that position. The comments are not reflective of my views of any of the individuals concerned or my wider views in general.”Most read in FootballReflecting on his row with Klopp — who criticised him after he had refereed a 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020 — Coote said: “The football industry is really tough for everybody who’s involved.“And everybody — when the pressure is on and results don’t go in the direction that they’d like — finds themselves in survival mode to a large extent. Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder”Referees are an easy target because there’s no accountability [on the abuse]. Refs are used as scapegoats. I get that, and I don’t blame anybody for that.”The experienced match official added: “The difficulty with refereeing is that we have no way of expressing our emotion in the moment.“We have to hide our emotions. I’d be a pretty terrible referee if I reacted emotionally to what’s being said or what’s being chanted around the ground. We don’t have the emotional release of scoring a goal or winning the game.“I’m a human being who made a mistake in a moment that I now deeply regret.”I want to apologise to anybody who I’ve offended by my actions, says CooteCredit: Getty’IT’S A VERY BRAVE MOVE’By Amal Fashanu, niece of Justin who runs foundation in his name“IT is very brave for anyone to come out, but more so for someone in the public eye.“This will affect David Coote and is a big step but it should have less of an effect that in would on a player. It’s not the same level of fame.”Amal, whose former Norwich striker uncle killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come out, added: “We’d love to chat to him at the foundation.“We’d be there to offer any support and counselling.“We also help people with mental health problems and would be there for him if that was an issue.“There’s still something very wrong at the top of football.“We’re in 2025, when everyone is supposedly liberal and accepting, yet something is stopping these men accepting who they are. Football is still failing in this regard.” More

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      I’ve had deaths threats after games with thugs hoping my mum dies of AIDS & I end up paralysed, says ex-ref David Coote

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      DAVID Coote last night revealed the sickening abuse aimed at match officials — including death threats and warped internet trolls saying they hope his mum dies of AIDS in her sleep.Sacked Coote called for TV pundits to stop “whipping up” fans into a frenzy against referees amid “hysterical” analysis, claiming messages he has received from crazed supporters added to his spiral into cocaine abuse.David Coote revealed the sickening abuse aimed at match officialsCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdThe sacked ref has received death threats and had warped internet trolls saying they hope his mum dies of AIDS in her sleepCredit: PAMichael Oliver sent off Gunner Myles Lewis-Skelly during Saturday’s Wolves versus Arsenal Premier League clashCredit: PAWeeping, the 42-year-old, who described some messages as “abhorrent”, told The Sun: “I’ve received death threats during my career. “I’ve needed an accelerated response tag on my home address for me to speak to the police in an emergency.“I’ve also had messages from irate supporters hoping that I had an accident on the way home from a game. “They didn’t just want me to die but to be paralysed, so I’d suffer every day for the rest of my life.Read More on Sport“Other messages included hoping that my mum dies of AIDS overnight.“People target referees without accountability on social media, and at matches. “I can’t see how that is acceptable. “There is standard abuse on a regular basis, but some crosses any line of acceptability.Most read in Football“I’m sorry people are talking about me for the wrong reasons. “I’m not here looking for sympathy. Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder“I just want to say that I am a human being that’s made mistakes.“I’m paying the consequences. “I’m taking responsibility for making those mistakes. “I hope that others in my situation seek help in the right ways as I’m now trying to do.”Coote revealed that at the elite level of the game it’s not always a stadium full of 60,000 fans screaming ‘the referee’s a w*****’ that causes the most upset.He said: “We have an earpiece in, and are on comms. “We’re constantly talking to each other and listening to players on the field, so actually the noise in the stadium doesn’t impact us very much.“But what is more impactful is the things you hear and see that are individual — the targeted abuse.“There are fans who decide to hang around for an hour or two after a game to individually abuse us, hanging over the barriers as we leave the stadium.“And there are those who take to social media. “Some refs might not be on social media, but it still has an impact on friends and family.“Some of the things said are abhorrent. “That has more impact on us as individuals, and as people.”He went on: “Every official that takes the pitch up and down the country from a local playing field to the Premier League is a human being, not just a referee.“They have feelings. “They may not show them, but it will impact them when they’re receiving abuse. “I’ve struggled and I’ve tried to get through it in my own way and made poor decisions in doing so.“I hope that others make better decisions  and that referees are given an easier ride in the levels of scrutiny, and levels of abuse that come in their direction.“I hope this shines a light on the impact it can have on a person.”Coote spoke out as fellow referee Michael Oliver, his partner Laura and two-year-old daughter, received death threats after Saturday’s Wolves versus Arsenal Premier League clash, when he sent off Gunner Myles Lewis-Skelly.Fans said they knew where he lived and were going to brick his windows.Three weeks ago, after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, someone said they were going to blow up Oliver’s car with his family inside it.Coote said of the menaces towards his friend: “This isn’t the first time this season we’ve heard of such abuse. “Sadly, it won’t be the last.“I know only too well the toll these appalling and frightening threats can have, but you have no option other than to take it.“Referees have no right of reply, while those who make the threats face no action. “It has to change.”Referees have no right of reply, while those who make the threats face no action. It has to changeDavid CooteDespite his fall from grace, Coote is keen to draw attention to how tough refereeing can be. He pointed out that officials are increasingly forced into “centre stage”.In the January 8 Carabao Cup semi-final between Spurs and Liverpool, Stuart Attwell became the first ref in England to announce a VAR decision in the stadium when he explained why Dominic Solanke’s late goal for Spurs was ruled out. Coote said: “The difficulty with being a referee is that the concept of resilience is key to doing what we do.“That means the opposite of resilience is a vulnerability or a weakness. “If I’ve got to be resilient to do the job then showing weakness and vulnerability immediately casts doubt over the ability to do that role.“I hope others who are finding things difficult are given the support they need to be able to show weakness and vulnerability because it’s impossible to keep up the facade over the course of time.”Coote’s sacking triggered change in the PGMOL, the referees’ governing body, including providing psychological support.He said officials had had the chance to have their say on “what could be done differently”. He said he was grateful for the support of colleagues, the PGMOL’s Howard Webb and Danielle Every and well-wishers in the street.The support has helped me get through some really tough timesDavid CooteHe said: “The support has helped me get through some really tough times.“My episodes hit the whole refereeing community hard because it showed just how accountable everybody in the game is.”Coote, a fan of League Two Notts County, began his route to top-level officiating by running the line for his dad and uncle’s Sunday team aged 14.He was urged to take a referees’ course and progressed through the levels of the game until he was invited to become a full-time Championship official.The Premier League followed and, a few years later, he added the VAR skill set.He said: “Nobody really prepares you for moving through each level and then arriving in the Premier League, which is like a goldfish bowl.”You don’t apply for promotion, people just take a judgment on your performances and you as a person, and give you the opportunity at a new level.“All of us who operate at the top levels of the game, we’re just normal guys, football fans who’ve been fortunate enough to be selected and move through the levels.“I’ve been really fortunate as a football fan to have seen the great players at such close quarters. “But there is a trade-off. “We don’t get an easy ride of it.”Coote said there’s no a simple fix to make football genuinely inclusive.He said: “It’s a difficult world to work in. “To be ‘me’ in football wasn’t easy. “I didn’t want to draw unnecessary attention to myself and I understand why others wouldn’t want to do the same.“I’ve no doubt that if somebody did come out there would be a lot of support but also they’d be opening themselves up to online abuse and prejudicial views that have no place in the society we live in.“It’s much more than a football problem. “It’s more of a society problem, particularly given how tribal football fans can be in a win-at-all-costs game.”Despite the scandal, Coote hopes to remain in the game and is keen to play a role speaking out for refs in the media.For now, he is training for a marathon in May to raise funds for research into motor neurone disease, which his uncle has.He said: “I’ll be looking to make sure my health and wellbeing is in the best possible place.”IT’S VERY BRAVE MOVEBy AMAL FASHANU, Niece of Justin who runs foundation in his name“IT is very brave for anyone to come out, but more so for someone in the public eye.“This will affect David Coote and is a big step but it should have less of an effect that in would on a player. Amal Fashanu, niece of JustinCredit: Darren FletcherNorwich striker Justin killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come outCredit: Getty – Contributor“It’s not the same level of fame.”Amal, whose former Norwich striker uncle killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come out, added: “We’d love to chat to him at the foundation.“We’d be there to offer any support and counselling.“We also help people with mental health problems and would be there for him if that was an issue.“There’s still something very wrong at the top of football.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re in 2025, when everyone is supposedly liberal and accepting, yet something is stopping these men accepting who they are.“Football is still failing in this regard.” More

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      I’m gay but hid my sexuality in macho football world…it led to behaviour I deeply regret, says shamed ex-ref David Coote

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      SACKED referee David Coote has revealed he turned to cocaine over fear of coming out in the “macho world” of the Premier League.Tearful Coote said he took coke to “escape” after being forced to hide being gay.David Coote says he felt unable to come out as gay as he feared the abuse he received for doing his job would get even worseCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdThe Sun exclusively revealed film of him snorting powder at last summer’s Euros in GermanyCoote says he has been in an ‘incredibly dark place’ since news emerged of his drug-taking at Euro 2024Credit: PACoote also admitted he was “not sober” in his rant at ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, and got abuse and death threats as a ref.The sacked 42-year-old told how living a lie led him down paths that eventually torpedoed his career.Coote told The Sun: “I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years in particular.“I didn’t come out to my parents until I was 21. I didn’t come out to my friends until I was 25.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTE“My sexuality isn’t the only reason that led me to be in that position. But I’m not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay, and that I’ve had real struggles dealing with hiding that.“I hid my emotions as a young ref and I hid my sexuality as well — a good quality as a referee but a terrible quality as a human being.“And that’s led me to a whole course of behaviours.”He says he has been in an “incredibly dark place” since news emerged of his drug-taking at Euro 2024. Without the support of family and colleagues, he added, “I’m not sure I’d be here today”.Most read in FootballGiving his first interview since the scandal broke, he said he hoped to help break down the “macho world” of Premier League football.He added: “I’ve had issues around my self-esteem — and that relates to my sexuality. I’m gay and I’ve struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of time.Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder“I have received deeply unpleasant abuse during my career as a ref and to add my sexuality to that would have been really difficult.“There’s a lot to be done throughout football and more widely in society with regard to discrimination.“I didn’t want to be that person that was putting their head above the parapet to be shot at, given the abuse we all get as a referee in any event.”Coote was suspended last October after footage showed him calling then-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “c***”.The Sun then revealed a film of him snorting powder at last summer’s Euros in Germany.We also told how he tried to arrange a drugs party during Spurs’ Carabao Cup win over Man City on October 30.Coote was then the subject of a new FA probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to order — before he was eventually fired.In an emotional interview, he says a “pressure cooker” of suppressed emotion, combined with a punishing work schedule, left him wanting to “escape” with cocaine.Coote was suspended last October after footage showed him calling then-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘c***’Credit: XThe sacked 42-year-old said living a lie led him down paths which eventually torpedoed his careerCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdHe said: “It’s not something I was reliant on day by day, week by week, month by month.“I’ve had long periods where I’ve not used it — but it was one of the escape routes I had. Just getting away from the stresses, the relentlessness of the job. It fills me with a huge sense of shame to say that I took that route.”He recalled: “In 2023 I lost my mum very suddenly. At the same time my uncle was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. After Covid and the introduction of VAR, six officials were suddenly needed for each game.“I was selected by Fifa for the U17 World Cup in Indonesia, as well as the Euros and Olympics last year.“It meant that over the course of the 2023-24 season I was involved in more than 90 games — often back to back. At the end of last season I went straight into the Euros and that was incredibly pressurised. I had another tournament coming up immediately — heading to Paris for the Olympics.”The cocaine footage saw him inhale a 4in line up a US banknote. Another image showed his bank card next to six chopped-up lines.I’m gay and I have struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of timeHe said: “I don’t recognise myself in the cocaine video. I can’t resonate with how I felt then, but that was me. I was struggling with the schedule and there was no opportunity to stop. And so I found myself in that position — escaping.”Coote is still being probed after a pal told him he was putting money on Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski getting booked before a 2019 clash against West Brom.Coote did caution the player and later messaged his friend: “I hope you backed as discussed.” However he told The Sun: “There was no agreement prior to the game. I went and did my job. The player committed a yellow card tackle.”He added: “I received nothing for it. I’m really disappointed that anything like this has come out because it tarnishes the integrity of the game. And whatever people think of me as a referee, as a human I have always gone out and done my best on the pitch.”Coote says he was merely trying to “deflect” the pal but admitted: “I wasn’t in a great place, and I was messaging people that in hindsight I shouldn’t have trusted. I was naive.” Coote says he “made some really poor choices and I really wish I could turn back the clock now and do things differently”.But he said he can instead take responsibility. After seeking therapy, he has kicked his drug habitCoote believes the dramatic turn of events which cost him his beloved job in football has helped him re-evaluate his lifeCredit: GettyCoote said: “I put on this hard exterior. Football became a place where I could go and referee and be engrossed in the game.“But then I’d come home and it would be more difficult because I’m living a double sense of being.“To other people who are in my situation, I’d say seek help and talk to somebody because if you bottle it up like I have done it has to come out in some way.”’POOR CHOICES’Coote believes the dramatic events which cost him his beloved job in football has helped him take stock.He said: “It’s been incredibly tough because I loved the game. I started refereeing when I was 14.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve found it easier since knowing my fate and being able to re-evaluate what’s important to me.“To spend some quality time with family and friends, and take time to make sure I’m in the best place to move forwards.”’IT’S A VERY BRAVE MOVE’By Amal Fashanu, niece of Justin who runs foundation in his name“IT is very brave for anyone to come out, but more so for someone in the public eye.“This will affect David Coote and is a big step but it should have less of an effect that in would on a player. It’s not the same level of fame.”Amal, whose former Norwich striker uncle killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come out, added: “We’d love to chat to him at the foundation.“We’d be there to offer any support and counselling.“We also help people with mental health problems and would be there for him if that was an issue.“There’s still something very wrong at the top of football.“We’re in 2025, when everyone is supposedly liberal and accepting, yet something is stopping these men accepting who they are. Football is still failing in this regard.” More

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      Burnley vs Leeds LIVE RESULT: Top of the table sides share point after tough Turf Moor battle – latest updates

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      BURNLEY and Leeds played out a tense draw and earned a point each on Monday night.Top of the table Leeds United travel to third-placed Burnley with only three points separating them.After Sheffield United suffered a shock 3-0 home defeat to Hull City on Friday night, a Leeds win would extend their lead at the top of the table to four points.A Burnley win would see them leapfrog the Blades into second, although Leeds hold a seven-goal advantage in goal difference.Kick -off: 8pmTV: Sky Sports Main EventBurnley XI: Trafford, Esteve, Egan-Riley, Brownhill, Anthony, Humphreys, Roberts, Foster, Flemming, Cullen, Laurent.Leeds XI: Meslier, Bogle, Byram, Rodon, Ampadu, Gruev, Tanaka, James, Aaronson, Solomon, Piroe.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Leeds boss Daniel Farke interviewHe told Sky Sports: “It’s a good result. We’ve here a difficult away game against of the best sides in this league. They are unbeaten since ages and then to come away with a point on the road is always a good result in this league.”It’s another clean sheet which is pretty good. Yes it’s difficult to score goals against them. I think we could have been a bit committed and convincing in some situations. Our decision making in their box – when you face an opponent who play that well in defending – you have to anticipate a little bit more.”Our commitment in defence could have been better and then we could have won the game but overall it’s a good result and a good point for us.”Copy linkCopied”We’ll take it”Player of the match Burnley’s Maxime Esteve to Sky Sports: “I prefer the three points but that was a good performance defensively.”We know that Leeds are a strong team so that’s a good point. We’ll take it.”It was crucial not to lose but if you honestly look at the game – we didn’t have any shots on target. So honestly we’ll take this.”Copy linkCopied”We’re going to back ourselves”Burnley defender CJ Egan-Riley told Sky Sports: “We’re working hard every day on the defence stuff and at the moment its working for us.”For me it’s the full team, the full XI – it’s not just the back four, it starts at the top of the pitch with the strikers and the pressing. The important thing If we keep this going we should be ok.”We know how the table looks, there are a few teams up there on similar points, we’re going to back ourselves. this game has gone, we will look back on it, reflect, we didn’t lose, we’ll go again next week.”Copy linkCopiedWhat it meansIf anyone is still awake after that then you should be reminded that none of the top-four have won so Leeds stay top, while Burnley epic defensive run continues.Scott Parker’s Clarets extend unbeaten run to 16 games with a seventh successive clean sheet and Burnley close to within a point of second-placed Sheffield United.Daniel Farke’s Leeds are now unbeaten in 11 matches.Copy linkCopiedJustin Allen’s view WHAT a boring night served up by these two Championship super powersIt wasn’t until the 89th minute when Leeds winger Dan James volleyed straight at James Trafford that either keeper was called into action.You would think that two clubs trying to go into the Premier League would be able to produce something better and more positive than this.Burnley still have not conceded a goal since December 21 at Watford and nine goals all season.And they frustrated leaders Leeds, who themselves were way too safe and not prepared to take risks. It was a “must-not-lose” approach by both managers.This was a bad avert for the Championship and frankly a worry for either team if they are promoted to the Premier League. They will be coming straight back down with this sort of approach.Copy linkCopiedFulltime 0-0 Well that’s 90 minutes of our lives we’ll never get back again…Copy linkCopiedFirst shot on target…88 minutes in!James Trafford leapt like a cat to protect his goal from a rasping shot from James. Trafford tipped it over the bar and the corner is dealt with.Alamy Live News. 2S9WB1G James Trafford (Burnley) during the Sky Bet Championship match between Burnley and Leeds United at Turf Moor, Burnley on Monday 27th January 2025. (Photo: Pat Scaasi | MI News) Credit: MI News & Sport /Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.Copy linkCopied83 – Will Dan James rescue this misery?If anyone is going to conjure up a goal it’s going to be James. He weaves his way through the middle before being bought down by Brownhill. Livid away fans are calling for a yellow card, which never came. The defence is on top for now. Copy linkCopied80 – Crunch challengeAmpadu commits a crunchy tackle on Brownhill who looked to have got the ball but free kick given. The damage was mopped up and you guessed it… it stays 0-0. Copy linkCopied78 – Tempers flare Josh Brownhill wins a free-kick after a challenge from Ilia Gruev, which leaves Leeds players livid. Brownhill has to hobble off for 30 seconds after a spot of treatment but Jaidon Anthony’s cross goes behind. Ilan Meslier was thanking his lucky stars having sauntered off his line and nowhere near it.Copy linkCopied73 – Substitution Lyle Foster has put his body on the line for Scott Parker tonight, despite not coming close to a goal he has done the dirty work tracking back to snaffle up bogle as best he can.He’s applauded off the pitch while Brighton loanee Jeremy Sarmiento enters the fray. Copy linkCopied71 – Daniel Farke makes his move first Largie Ramazani and Mateo Joseph are on while Joel Piroe and Manor Solomon are hooked off. Copy linkCopied67 minutes – it’s getting spicy Jayden Bogle is the latest Leeds man in the book after complaining for a free-kick against Lyle Foster.Three yellows for the yellow team with Manor Solomon and Dan James already in the book.Copy linkCopiedJustin Allen’s verdict Both sides are too safe. The centre of the pitch is like being stuck in a traffic jam on the M25 – rammed with no space to move.But Leeds do at least show a bit more attacking ambition down the flanks.Dan James and Manor Solomon are constantly looking to turn and attack – while Lyle Taylor and Jaidon Anthony did not look to take on the full-backs with them often passing backwards.That frustrates fans.I’m so impressed with CJ Egan-Riley again. The centre-half superbly cut out that quick Joe Rodon pass. The former Manchester City kid has been one of the standout Championship players so far this season.Copy linkCopied60 – Yellow card Dan James mows down CJ Egan-Riley cynically in midfield and referee Josh Smith doesn’t hesitate whipping out his yellow card. Copy linkCopied58 – Leeds nearly score but the flag is up! Bogle cracks a volley jut wide from inside the box but flag is up straight away. It came after Manor Solomon curled in a cross, which sees Joel Piroe flagged for offside, before the ball dropped to Bogle. The tempo has cranked up at Turf Moor with both sets of fans giving it large.Copy linkCopied50 – Leeds chipping away A peach of a pass from Liam Cullen found Zian Flemming, who put the ball beyond Lyle Foster to chase. The Burnley man nudged Joe Rodon as he came back to cover, with the Welsh defender clattering to the floor, to bag a free-kick from referee Josh Smith.Copy linkCopiedSeven minutes of pure scrappiness With the greatest respect to the two best sides in the league, this start to the first-half has not been pretty. You can tell these this game is full to the brim with desperation from both sides not to lose. Copy linkCopiedIt’s all feeling a bit flat right nowThink we’re all looking like Zian Flemming watching this game right now. Head in hands at the lack of clear cut chances, with not a single shot on target so far. Copy linkCopiedTeams are back outNeither boss has made any changes to their line-up as we head into the second-half. Let’s hope for an early goal to liven things up . Copy linkCopiedEx-Burnley centre-back Ben Mee has his say “Seems like this game will need a moment of magic or a slip up to make the difference.”Copy linkCopiedBoredrawThis game certainly hasn’t got pulses racing with one Leeds fan joking on Twitter: “Thank you Burnley vs Leeds for saving my brother who has been in a coma for 10 years. “The game was so boring that he got out of be to turn it to another channel.”Copy linkCopiedJustin Allen reckons there is a goal brewing for Leeds Burnley content to sit in and close space when Leeds are in possession.You feel if a goal is to come for the Yorkshire side the source will be from down the right flank because Jayden Bogle has been excellent.The ex-Sheffield United ace has plenty of pace and tricks to open up even a tight defensive unit like Burnley.This game is crying out for a goal. A Leeds one would make it much more interesting.They have lots of options on the bench with the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani.Copy linkCopiedAll square at half-timeIt’s 0-0 at half-time with the one-minute of injury time saying it all. Copy linkCopied42 – Zian Flemming blazes it over The Dutchman tried his luck from long-range, but lashed his dipping volley into the gods Copy linkCopied More