More stories

  • in

    Ebanie Bridges and Kell Brook welcome ‘first baby in boxing history to be born to two world champions’ in gushing post

    BOXING stars Ebanie Bridges and Kell Brook announced the birth of their child.Bridges, 38, shared the happy news on social media with a touching post.Kell Brook and Ebanie Bridges announced the birth of their sonCredit: Instagram / @ebanie_bridgesBridges gave birth to her first child with BrookCredit: Instagram / @ebanie_bridgesBrook and Bridges named their son Ezerra Ray BrookCredit: Instagram / @ebanie_bridgesBridges described her son as the ‘first baby in boxing history to be born to two world champions’Credit: Instagram / @ebanie_bridgesThe boxer shared several pics of her son Ezerra Ray Brook being held by her and Brook, 38, on Instagram.The Aussie bruiser described Ezerra Ray as her “prince” the “first baby in boxing history to be born to two world champions”.Bridges posted: “20.02.2025 our prince arrived. Ezerra Ray BrookWe are so in love.”Our little champ… First baby in boxing history to be born to two world champions (no pressure tho).”Read More on BoxingBridges’ post attracted almost 7,000 likes in one hour as the boxing stars’ fans flooded the comments’ section.One supporter posted: “This kid is the golden child.”Another commented: “Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful.”A third wrote: “Congratulations Ebanie, your life’s about to getting so much better. Kids are a true blessing.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMatchroom Boxing also shared the following statement: “Congratulations to you all.”The boxers have apparently been dating for three years when Bridges sensationally claimed that Brook had split with wife Lindsey Myers.Ebanie Bridges slams Elle Brooke’s ‘bulls’ draw against Paige VanZant but hails her ‘baby’ for epic fight She then teased having children with the Sheffield icon when she took a pic of them and joked “imagine the kids”. More

  • in

    ‘Next Diletta Leotta’ sends pulses racing with busty display all in red as fans call DAZN presenter a ‘fairy tale’

    ELEONORA INCARDONA saw red for vibrant conduct as the colourful TV presenter dazzled fans yet again.The DAZN host oversaw coverage of second-placed Napoli against leaders Inter Milan in Serie A.Eleonora Incardona was in Naples for a huge clashCredit: Instagram / @eleonoraincardonaShe flashed a brolly despite little sign of rainCredit: Instagram / @eleonoraincardonaEleonora has been dating Torino ace Samuele RicciCredit: Instagram / @eleonoraincardonaOne fan called her scarlet look ‘breathtaking and enchantingCredit: Instagram / @eleonoraincardonaBoyfriend Ricci has six Italy caps and was once linked with ArsenalCredit: GettyShe shared pitchside snaps of herself in a crimson skirt-and-jacket suit, with a matching red top underneath.And her 1.1million Instagram followers appeared to believe her display was a bright as the dramatic 1-1 draw on the field.Incardona is dating Torino’s Italy midfielder Samuele Ricci.And although she might be impartial as a broadcaster, her army of admirers have no such worries in sharing their adoration for the 35-year-old.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan called her a “fairy tale” while another went with “Red Queen”.And she’s regularly described as the “next Diletta Leotta” – a reference to her fellow DAZN presenter.But Leotta had one eye on the German second tier this weekend rather than the Italian top flight.That’s because she was in the stands at Schalke as her husband, ex-Liverpool keeper Loris Karius, made his debut for the fallen giants – after 371 days without playing a single game.Most read in FootballLeotta has 9.1m Instagram admirers – but Incardona’s rise cannot be dismissed, even if she did show red to her fans.One follower said the Italian was “breathtaking and enchanting”.Sports presenter and ex-Premier League Wag Diletta Leotta stuns in see-through top for live TV broadcast Another told her: “You are simply divine, gorgeous Eleonora.”Meanwhile, there was also a fairy tale on the pitch – in the finale.Federico Dimarco curled a brilliant free-kick opener for Inter.But after ex-Manchester United stars Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay almost levelled, on-loan Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing finally slotted a late equaliser.Billing might not have been in the red of the Cherries – but off the field Incardona more than made up for that.A glimpse into the life of the social media hit… Eleonora shows off her trendy side hereCredit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaEleonora is in a romance with an Italian footballerCredit: InstagramTorino star Samuele Ricci and Eleonora went public in 2024Credit: Instagram @eleonoraincardonaEleonora was once engaged to Diletta Leotta’s stepbrotherCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    ‘I don’t know what fight that fella’s watching’ – Fans fume at ‘rigged’ result on Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 undercard

    BOXING fans slammed Carlos Adames’ contentious split decision draw with Hamzah Sheeraz as “rigged”.Most felt WBC middleweight champion Adames had done more than enough to win but the judges couldn’t separate the two fighters.Fans slammed Carlos Adames’ contentious draw with Hamzah Sheeraz as ‘rigged’Credit: GettyMost felt WBC middleweight champion Adames had done more than enough to winCredit: GettyBut the judges called it a split decision drawCredit: GettyOne judge had it 118-110 for Adames, another scored it 115-114 for Sheeraz, while a third had it even at 114-114.The huge scorecard discrepancy left TNT commentator Richie Woodhall was left utterly dumbfounded.After seeing the 118-110 scorecard, Woodhall said over comms: “I don’t know what fight that fella’s watching.”The result – which Adames’ took well – received an angry response from fans who flooded to social media to protest the decision.READ MORE IN BOXINGOne wrote: “OMG I’m sorry but Sheeraz got wasted here that’s a robbery can’t be a draw for s***.”A second said: “WOW. Adames clearly won that fight. That looked rigged.”A third added: “Robbery! Adames definitely won.”Another tweeted: “F*** right off!!!! No way a split draw. Sheeraz lost by about six rounds.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, somebody else posted: “Adames has been robbed.”But promoter Frank Warren revealed after that Sheeraz had in fact broken his hand during the fight.Anthony Joshua gives cryptic update over future amid Tyson Fury fight talk in interview at Beterbiev vs Bivol 2Adames retained his WBC middleweight title and challenger Sheeraz was frustratingly cautious – despite some serious orders getting sent his way by the sport’s most powerful man, Turki Al-Sheikh.The 21-0 Ilford middleweight earned a crack at the WBC world champion – and a chance to become Britain’s newest breakout boxing star.The proud Pakistani-Londoner had the Riyadh crowd right – and kingmaker Turki Al-Sheikh – in his corner as he was cheered into the ring and the Dominican was booed by all but one small corner of the arena.Adames, 30, bobbed and weaved into range, under Sheeraz’s freakishly long levers and jabs, but could not connect with anything thudding.Our 25-year-old undefeated ace was on the backfoot for all of the opener but he was happy scoring from there and landed the most jabs by a distance.Little Adames grew in confidence and stature in the second but Sheeraz remained disciplined and picked him off from the safety of a 4in height advantage.The third round was the dullest of the evening, so far, as Adames stalked and stalked and Sheeraz just warned him off with prodded jabs.FOLLOW THE ACTION FROM RIYADH WITH OUR BOXING LIVE BLOGAdames retained his WBC middleweight title via a controversial drawCredit: GettySheeraz’s performance was quite flat by his standardsCredit: GettyBut Sheeraz turned it on and enjoyed his best stanza in the 11thCredit: GettySheeraz came alive at the start of the fourth, bedding his knobbly knees and whipping a left hook into Adames’ ribs and then rifling down a right hand. And then he played matador as the bullish champion shadowed him around the ring looking for power punches.It looked like Sheeraz was going to gift Adames the fifth by being too cautious on the outskirts of the ring.But just before the bell he unloaded a few piercing shots that angered the champ enough that he battered his chest after the bell and demanded more of a fight from the challenge in the sixth.Sheeraz obliged and tried to be offensive but Adames was used to punches raining down at him and dipped and slipped past most of the efforts with impressive composure.Round seven was an exhibition of elite shadow boxing, as Adames dodged every one of Sheeraz’s meaningful digs and the Brit caught all of Adames’ looped efforts on his golden gloves.Adames landed a peach of a right hand in the third, that smacked the sweat off of Sheeraz’s brow.But before he could get carried away, Sheeraz pinged him back with an identical shot that sent snot skywards.By the ninth round Sheeraz had still not worked out Adames’ masterful lateral movement, sometimes he would sink and slide below the Brit beanpole’s waist.But he went too low with one punch and got a warning from Panama ref Hector Afu.Sheeraz’s performance was so flat that, before the tenth round, Al-Sheikh walked around the VIP seats and into Sheeraz’s corner to tell him he had two desperate rounds to pull something from the fire.It’s amazing what a director order from the richest and most powerful dictator in boxing can do, as Sheeraz turned it on and enjoyed his best stanza in the 11th, with three big shots harming Adames.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Sheeraz landed the cleaner shots in the last shift too but, despite the urges of the crowd, refused to put his foot on the gas and coasted to the final bell.And the result felt a fair reflection of a promising fight that never caught light. More

  • in

    Billionaire brothers who ‘invented Facebook’ become co-owners of non-league minnows in huge £3.5m

    THE billionaire twins who claimed they “invented Facebook” have officially become co-owners of an English non-league side.American tech moguls Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss have finalised a £3.5million investment in eighth tier outfit Real Bedford.Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss have finalised a £3.5m investment in eighth tier side Real BedfordThe Winklevoss’ may be best known from the Oscar winning film ‘The Social Network’, where their early role in Facebook was portrayed by Armie Hammer.The brothers, who unsuccessfully sued Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in 2004, have since gone on to found cryptocurrency exchange Gemini and have a net worth of £2.14billion.Their deal in Real Bedford sees them take a 45 per cent stake in the club to become co-owners.A deal in principle for their investment was reached and announced in April 2024 after Gemini started its sponsorship in January 2022.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut final documents were only signed on Wednesday after full terms were agreed.The investment is in cash, not bitcoin, contrary to reports last year, according to Sky Sports.The identical twins will work alongside chairman and owner Peter McCormack, who is a cryptocurrency podcaster.The investment will be used for the development of a training centre, the launch of a talent academy and to continue supporting youth football.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMcCormack bought Real Bedford – then in the 10th tier and called Bedford FC – in January 2022.He told the BBC: “The fact the Winklevoss twins are now co-owners is massive.Disgraceful moment vicious brawl breaks out between non-league footballer and own supporters as investigation launched “They want to be involved in the running of the club and I will do the day-to-day business but we will be speaking regularly.”This investment is huge for the town of Bedford. The money will be used to help the club pursue its league ambitions.”Rob Hepburn, a corporate lawyer who advised the Winklevoss’ on their investment, told Sky Sports: “It’s a really exciting time for the lower leagues of football in England.”We’ve seen the success that Salford City and Wrexham have had with big injections of cash and Real Bedford look set to continue the trend.”The deal illustrates again the appeal of English football to investors, particularly where there is a media angle to it.”Away from business, the Winklevoss’ are also known for having competed for the USA in the men’s pair rowing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.In 2011, the brothers’ claim that Zuckerberg stole their idea while classmates at Harvard University was dismissed in court as a judge ordered them to accept a cash and stock settlement in the platform.Real Bedford attracts an average of only 300 spectators per game, and the pair hope their investment can help it climb from the eighth tier to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlthough that seems like an unrealistic goal, the club are top of the Southern League Division One Central after back-to-back promotions.The team is in discussions to merge with Bedford Town, which is in the seventh tier. More

  • in

    ‘Devoted’ football fan, 63, suddenly died at ground while watching his favourite team as heartbreaking tributes pour in

    A DEVOTED football fan has died suddenly at the ground while watching his favourite team play.Heartbreaking tributes are pouring in for Alec Lumb, 63, a fierce Pompey supporter and “proud” Royal Navy veteran. Alec suddenly died at the ground while watching his favourite teamCredit: GofundmeThe ‘caring’ dad was a Pompey supporter since the age of eight when his dad took him to his first football matchCredit: FacebookFlowers and cards have since been laid by the statue of former footy player Jimmie Dickinson in memory of the dadCredit: RexAlec, from Gospel, Hampshire, tragically died of what is believed to have been a heart attack at the Portsmouth and Middlesbrough game on Saturday, January 18.The family man was described as “very caring” and a “lovely person”, who would always help people out whenever he could. Portsmouth Football Club honoured the fan with a photo of him up on the big screen and a note which said: “Remembering Alec Lumb”.This was followed by a round of applause by the whole stadium.Read more on SportA fellow fan and friend posted: “Alec Lumb what a send off… and the boys did you proud on the pitch for the second time in five days… “I held it together for the minute’s applause but when the players ran over to Sharon Jayne after scoring the second the tears were welling up for you.”Flowers and cards have since been laid by the statue of former footy player Jimmie Dickinson in memory of the dad. His partner of 15 years Sharon said she noticed Alec was slumped in his seat when the players came out onto the pitch.Most read in FootballShe quickly performed CPR on him and alerted paramedics to the incident. Players stopped the game and signalled to the referee and medical staff who treated Alec in the stand.But despite everyone’s best efforts Alec tragically passed away soon after.The cause of death hasn’t been confirmed but the family believe it was due to cardiac arrest. He left behind Sharon, his daughters Hannah and Rebecca, step-daughters Lauren and Shannon – and brother and sister, Ian and Sue. Sue said the family were incredibly touched by the support they’ve received, which has included a whopping £8,900 in donations.Despite the emotional turmoil of losing her elder brother she said she took comfort in the fact he died doing what he loved.Shortly before the game he posted on Facebook about his excitement.She told The News: “He was in his favourite place when it happened. I saw his post on Facebook that he was at the match and that was probably the last thing he ever wrote. He was so pleased to be there.”Alec’s devotion to Pompey began when his dad started taking him to games at the age of eight. The passion for his football team was so strong, his whole family began supporting Pompey too.The 63-year-old dad was also a Navy veteran, having served for 25 years.Sue, who works at Navy HQ, recalled her emotional first day back at work, as lots of people shared fond memories of her brother.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn their heartwarming tributes, colleagues referred to Alec as a caring and lovely man, adding he would always help others. Sue said: “Loads of people came up to give me hugs, It’s a good job I had a box of tissues on my desk.”Portsmouth Football Club honoured the fan with a photo of him up on the big screenCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Spanish press convinced Marcus Rashford has dropped major hint over next club after social media post

    FANS are convinced that wantaway Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has dropped a major social media hint about his preferred next destination.The Spanish press were quick to jump on Rashford’s online activity after the England winger commented on Lamine Yamal’s Instagram post.Marcus Rashford has dropped a major hint about his next destinationCredit: GettyThe Man Utd star commented on Lamine Yamal’s latest Instagram postYamal posted a picture of him presenting the Golden Boy trophy to fans ahead of Barcelona’s 1-0 defeat to CD Leganes on SundayRashford dropped a bombshell on Tuesday when he admitted that he is “ready for a new challenge” after being left out of the 20-man squad for the Manchester derby win at the Etihad on Sunday.The shock omission came amid speculation that he could be sold by the Red Devils.Ruben Amorim seemed to play down Rashford’s comments at his press conference on Wednesday and insisted Man Utd are “better with” the England international.Barcelona are one of five clubs closely linked with a move for Rashford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd the 27-year-old’s latest social media activity has added fuel to the fire of a possible move to the Nou Camp.Rashford left a fire emoji “🔥” on Yamal’s post – which celebrated the Spanish star’s unveiling of the Golden Boy trophy to Barca fans on Sunday.One excited fan wrote: “I am beginning to have this feeling that Rashford might end up becoming a Barcelona player.”A second said: “Rashford to Barcelona pending…🥶.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile another added: “Crazy if we see Rashford wearing Blaugrana.”A fourth replied: “I’ll take him at Barca if he wants to come.”Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim says he has no disciplinary issues with Rashford and Garnacho Barca and United could negotiate a swap deal involving Rashford and Frenkie de Jong, according to Spanish outlet Madrid-Barcelona.Former United target De Jong has started only TWO matches in all competitions this term under Hansi Flick.Ex-boss Erik ten Hag was keen on bringing the Dutchman to Old Trafford during his tenure and now Amorim believes that he could be an interesting addition to the midfield.But Barca would not be able to afford Rashford’s staggering £350,000-a-week wage.Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho was also left out of the squad for United’s victory over Manchester City.Rashford hailed his team-mates’ late comeback victory at neighbours City just minutes after Amad Diallo’s 90th minute strike clinched a 2-1 win.The striker posted “Yesssssssss! Love it lads” over a snap of Diallo and Lisandro Martinez celebrating. Old Trafford legend Roy Keane reckoned the one-club man might now be better moving on amid question marks over his future.If Rashford was to move on, the only serious chance of matching his salary would be at Paris St Germain.READ MORE SUN STORIESOtherwise it would mean a hefty drop to his basic salary or heading for the footballing wilderness of Saudi Arabia.Meanwhile, Rashford is set to find out if he’s been selected for United’s quarter-final Carabao Cup trip to Tottenham on Thursday with Amorim revealing how he announces his team news to players.Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. More

  • in

    Mystery over football fan’s missing £14k Rolex after it was lost during CPR before he died – as son issues urgent plea

    A HEARTBROKEN son whose father died after receiving CPR at a football game has issued an urgent plea to find a missing Rolex.Jay Gray watched the West Ham match in Stratford, London, on Monday night alongside his dad who suddenly collapsed and passed away.Jay Gray claims the watch went missing as his father was being moved to receive CPRCredit: X/jay grayJay posted a picture of the type of watch alongside his urgent appealCredit: Rolex”Desperately” pleading on social media for the safe return of the watch worth more than £14,000, Jamie ‘Jay’ Gray wrote a detailed account from memory.His post on X, formerly known as Twitter, read: “My dad unfortunately collapsed and passed away at the Wolves game last Monday night, he had to be carried up stairs from his seat in block 123 to be able to have CPR performed on him, his watch went missing when he was moved and we desperately want it back.”The caption was shared with a smiling father-son selfie, snapped in front of a football pitch.”Reward for anyone that has any information that results in the return of this watch, my dad wore this every day and it means so much to our family to have it back,” the post went on.Read more Sports NewsJay continued: “Please can anyone associated with West Ham, as well as anyone else that wants to help get this sentimental bit of jewellery back to our family in this tough time please.”So far the post has been viewed by 35 million people with an English football manager and former player helping in the appeal.Martin Allen played more than 100 games as a midfielder for both Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United.He wrote: “Horrible news re that West Ham fan that has passed away at our home game last week in the London stadium. Most read in Football”His family have appealed to all of us to help find his watch that has gone missing. Please someone return it.”A friend close to the family took to Facebook to share her condolences and help spread the word.Tomas Soucek reveals heartwarming video call with Michail Antonio as he dedicates celebration to stricken West Ham starLouise Anne said: “PLEASE PLEASE SHARE…”Kev & his family are extremely close to my family, Kev sadly died on Monday evening. “His wife Lou & his kids Taela & Jamie just want the watch back, no one cares who has it or why – they just want it back, Kev wore it everyday.”A spokesperson from London Stadium said: “We would like to send our condolences to the family.”We are assisting the football club by investigating the CCTV footage from Monday evening.”It is thought over 60,000 fans were in attendance at the match, which saw home fans celebrate a 2-1 defeat.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Premier League game took place at London Stadium in Stratford.The Sun has approached West Ham United FC, the London Ambulance Service and Jay Gray for comment. More

  • in

    Shamed David Coote at centre of betting probe after discussing booking player BEFORE game & saying ‘I hope you backed’

    SHAMED ref David Coote was at the centre of an FA betting probe last night after it emerged he discussed giving a yellow card before a match.Coote, 42, messaged a pal afterwards: “I hope you backed as discussed.”The FA has launched an urgent investigation into disgraced referee David CooteCredit: GettyMessages emerged showing Coote discussing dishing out a yellow card to a player before a gameCredit: YouTubeCoote gave Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski a yellow after 17 minutes, for a foul on Darnell FurlongCredit: SuppliedThe FA said it was investigating the “very serious allegations as a matter of urgency”.Coote denies any wrongdoing.Refs’ body the PGMOL — which suspended Coote earlier this month over a foul-mouthed rant about ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp — was last night poring over the ­latest “very serious allegations”.A separate investigation was also launched by the FA “as a matter of urgency” into the messages, which came before and after a Leeds United versus West Bromwich Albion game in October 2019.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEIt is understood that Coote accepts a discussion took place, but claims it was only “banter” and nothing improper took place.There is no suggestion that the referee made any financial gains.Coote, who was filmed snorting white powder during the Euros this summer, said last night in a ­statement: “Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life they have never affected my decision-making on the field.“I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability.”Most read in FootballIn the new exchange unearthed by The Sun, Coote appears keen to impress a Leeds fan he met online.He bragged that he was set to officiate in the upcoming Leeds- West Brom Championship clash.Snorting ref David Coote set up drugs party in Travelodge before Man City game – & even sent half time text about itThe pal says he jokingly told Coote to give a yellow card to Leeds left-back Ezgjan Alioski so he could put a bet on it at the bookies beforehand.The day before the game, Coote tells him: “Yeah really good I’ve got Leeds tomorrow.”The friend replied: “Ooh big game. We still on for what we ­discussed (Alioski). Maybe I could join you if so.”Coote replies: “Haha don’t know what you mean.”His friend then posts: “Haha well I’m off to back it in the morning so don’t let me down.”I hope you backed as discussedDavid CooteCoote answered: “Haha will see.”The following evening, Alioski is booked in the 18th minute of the game for a sliding challenge on Darnell Furlong.Last night football experts said the booking was fully justified given the nature of the tackle. Leeds eventually won the game 1-0 with a goal from Alioski.The following day, Coote messaged his friend again to say: “What a day yesterday. I hope you backed as discussed.”A pal of Coote’s says he jokingly told the referee to give a yellow card to the left backCredit: SuppliedDavid was also snapped snorting a white powder at the Euros this summerThe pal tells him that he did not put money on it but he believes another friend “backed it though”.Coote then replies: “Haha he will have to share with you then.”Football bosses were last night examining the latest shock revelations to ensure no corruption exists within the game.Speaking on condition of anonymity, the pal told The Sun yesterday: “My first contact with David Coote was online. When I got talking to him a bit more, I found out about his job as a football referee. “I jokingly told him to give Alioski a yellow card in the Leeds United game the following day against West Bromwich Albion, so I could back this in the bookies. “He sarcastically replied, ‘Haha will see’. Just 18 minutes into the game the next day Alioski was booked.“It was Leeds’ only yellow card in the match.“He messaged me a while after the game and said, ‘I hope you backed as discussed’.”The latest allegations come after Coote was suspended for a wide-eyed rant about Liverpool and their then-manager Klopp.Last night sources close to the ref suggested he may have engaged in “inappropriate banter” and sent “ill-judged” messages.But they ruled out any suggestion of corruption or deliberately booking players, and say he always officiated with “integrity and impartiality”.The PGMOL said last night: “The facts need to be established in light of these very serious allegations.“We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any breach of our Integrity Code of Conduct, which is signed by all match officials on an annual basis.“PGMOL Board is committed to taking the appropriate action should any breach of that Code be proven. David Coote remains suspended and subject to an ongoing disciplinary process by PGMOL, separate to the investigation into this matter which will be carried out independently by the FA.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We will be making no further comment at this stage.”The Football Association added: “These are very serious allegations and we are investigating as a ­matter of urgency.”Alioski played for Leeds United from 2017 to 2021Credit: Rex FeaturesCoote was recently embroiled in controversy after being filmed slating ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen KloppCredit: XTexts between David and a palOfficial’s ‘coke’ bid at EurosBy Stephen MoyesTHE Sun revealed earlier this month that David Coote was filmed snorting white powder at the Euros this summer.Footage showed him ­sniffing the substance at a hotel in Germany the day after the France-Portugal quarter-final, where he was a support VAR official.He sent another photo a few days beforehand showing his credit cards next to six chopped-up white lines.We then revealed he tried to arrange a “drugs party” in messages sent at half-time in Spurs’ Carabao Cup tie with Man City last month.He was suspended after he was filmed calling Jurgen Klopp a “German c***”. More