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      Top flight clash ABANDONED with children left in tears after riots break out in stands and chaos continues outside

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      AN Eredivisie match was abandoned last night following rioting in the stands.Heracles Almelo and FC Groningen were level at 1-1 during the second half.Fans clashed in the upper tierCredit: X @VoetbalUltrasThe chaotic scenes occurred at Heracles vs GroningenCredit: X @thecasualultraChildren were seen crying in the standsCredit: ESPNBut following ugly scenes in the crowd, referee Rob Dieperink was forced to suspend the contest.In footage captured and posted online, hooded figures in the away section of the stadium could be seen clashing with home supporters.Further clips appeared to show fans trying to smash panels beneath them.Heartbreaking images showed children in tears as the horrible scene unfolded.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne Groningen supporter is claimed to have fallen from the upper tier.Reports in the Netherlands suggest that they were conscious and taken to hospital.Speaking to ESPN, Heracles General Manager Rob Tuessen reportedly said: “We cannot continue the game due to a breach of public order.”Luka Kulenovic had given the home side a 20th minute lead.Most read in FootballCops got involved in the ugly incidentCredit: RexPlayers were taken off the fieldCredit: RexDamage was caused to the stadiumCredit: RexRomano Postema went on to level from the penalty spot five minutes into the second half.Groningen were reduced to 10 men just after the hour mark, when Marco Rente was shown a straight red card.Non-league clash suspended with players taken off pitch as advertising board sparks safety fearsIt is not yet known whether the match will be resumed at a later date, or if it will be replayed entirely.A short statement posted on Heracles’ website read: “Dear supporters.”We deeply regret what happened in the away section on Saturday evening during the match between Heracles Almelo and FC Groningen, which resulted in the match being definitively abandoned.”If you would like to contact the club about this, you can send an email to info@heracles.nl with your name and telephone number.”When more information becomes available, we will share it.”Groningen have not posted a statement on their website.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut a tweet on their official X account read: “The match has been definitively stopped.”More information will follow about how this match will be played out.”The game had been level at 1-1Credit: Rex More

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      Who is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 referee Roberto Ramirez Jnr?

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      TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk resume battle on Saturday night to be crowned heavyweight king – but who is the third man in the ring?Here we get to know Roberto Ramirez Jr, who will be officiating the blockbuster rematch in Riyadh.Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk go toe-to-toe for a second time on SaturdayCredit: ReutersRoberto Ramirez Jr (left) will be in charge of the fightCredit: PAWho is Roberto Ramirez Jr?Roberto Ramirez Jr is a professional boxing referee from Puerto Rico.His father, Roberto Ramirez Sr, was also a respected referee who presided over title fights, including Aaron Pryor vs Gaetan Hart in November 1980 for the WBA light-welterweight belt.Ramirez Jr followed in his father’s footsteps, beginning his professional refereeing career in 2003.Over the course of his career to date, he has officiated an impressive 412 bouts, including multiple world title fights.read more on fury v usyk 2First heavyweight title fightWhile Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk 2 will be the first heavyweight world title fight he has reffed, Ramirez Jr has overseen some big clashes in the top division.His most significant heavyweight fight so far was the 2014 demolition of Malik Scott by Deontay Wilder.He has also looked after influencer boxing fights, including the October 2023 dust-up between Logan Paul and Dillon Danis.Fury vs Usyk 2 – top storiesREAD MORE on all the build-up to the blockbuster fight in Riyadh..All the info:News, features and interviews: Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk 2The pinnacle of Ramirez Jr’s career so far is his selection to ref the highly-anticipated heavyweight rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.Most read in BoxingThe biggest fight of the year is scheduled for around 10pm on December 21, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Beyond his in-ring duties, Ramirez Jr has actively contributed to the development of boxing officiating.Tyson Fury stuns reporter with chilling threat to inflict ‘serious hurt’ on Oleksandr Usyk in heavyweight rematchExpertiseIn October 2023, he participated in a WBO Referee and Judges Seminar in Nicaragua, sharing his expertise with aspiring officials.He is committed to improving the standard of officiating in boxing and passing on his knowledge to the next generation of referees.Furthermore, Ramirez Jr has been involved in WBO conventions, further cementing his standing in the international boxing community.CriticismWhile Ramirez Jr has generally enjoyed a controversy-free career, he has not been immune to criticism.It was such a high-status fight, why would you put in a referee no one had heard of?Chantelle CameronBBC Radio NorthamptonFollowing Chantelle Cameron’s defeat by Katie Taylor in their November 2023 rematch, both Cameron and her former trainer Jamie Moore expressed dissatisfaction with Ramirez Jr’s officiating.Cameron told BBC Radio Northampton: “It wasn’t just me and Katie in that ring. If it was, I’d take the loss and say the better woman won on the night.”I had everything against me. The ref on the night… It was such a high-status fight, why would you put in a referee no one had heard of?”That’s not my job, it’s my job to fight. I don’t look into who’s reffing, who’s judging.Chantelle Cameron wasn’t happy with Roberto Ramirez Jr’s performance during her rematch with Katie TaylorCredit: DAZN“I’m just frustrated — if I could turn back the hands of time, I would make sure that was all looked into. I’ve learnt my lesson.”In a post-fight interview, Moore said: “We were denied a knockdown in the first round, which should have been a 100% legitimate knockdown.”I begged the referee in the changing room before the fight, please, last time, she got away with holding a lot.”My fighter’s best work is up close. Please don’t let her hold the way she did last time this time. And he allowed her to go on worse this time than it was last time.”READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I’m gutted for her because she was so frustrated by the fourth and fifth rounds because she was holding that much.”From watching what I watched, if Chantelle was allowed to do the work that she can do on the inside, it would have been a different result.”Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematch More

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      Major change to FA Cup confirmed with Arsenal vs Man Utd clash to look very different from Premier League

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      THE FA Cup will not use VAR until the fifth round this season.In previous campaigns since 2019, all FA Cup matches played at Premier League stadiums have utilised VAR.The tie between Arsenal and Man Utd will be played without VARCredit: GettyIn a major change to this season’s competition, however, technology will only come into play from the fifth round onwards.Should non-Premier League sides remain at that stage, and be drawn at home, VAR will be deployed at their venue.The significant change has been made to ensure consistency across rounds.An FA statement read: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.”VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”Several Premier League sides have been drawn at home and would have had VAR for their third round ties in previous seasons.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSToday’s news means that Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United will now be played without VAR.Other Premier League sides drawn at home include Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.Ruben Amorim on shock Rashford, Garnacho exclusionsVAR was first trialled in the FA Cup during the 2017-18 season.In 2022, the FA were forced to defend the use of VAR in some FA Cup ties and not in others, after just nine of 32 third round ties used the technology. More

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      Premier League release statement as Man Utd are denied penalty after Ruben Dias’ challenge on Rasmus Hojlund

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      THE Premier League addressed Manchester United’s appeal for a penalty during the derby with arch rivals Manchester City.United ace Rasmus Hojlund went down inside the box during a challenge with City star Ruben Dias, who appeared to put his leg in front of the striker on 64 minutes at the Etihad.Man Utd’s Rasmus Hojlund went down during a challenge by Man City’s Ruben Dias inside the areaThe Premier League claimed there was ‘normal contact’However, referee Anthony Taylor waved play on and a VAR check agreed with him while the game was 1-0 in favour of the Citizens after Josko Gvardiol’s opener on 36 minutes.And the Prem released a statement also backing Taylor as they deemed there was “normal contact” between Dias and Hojlund.The statement read: “The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge between Hojlund and Dias was checked and confirmed by VAR, deeming it was normal contact.”That led to a furious reaction from United fans who stormed social media during the game with Man City.Read More on Man UtdOne supporter tweeted: “Someone explain to me why that isn’t a penalty…?Another commented: “Normal contact in the box WTF.”A third wrote: “Normal contact is wrapping your leg around someone’s waist now.”Another fan said: “What does normal contact mean?? He tripped him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile one stated: “Cool. So defender can take out attacker without getting near the ball.”However, that controversial call didn’t cost Man Utd as they managed to turn the game around in a dramatic comeback and win the Manchester derby with a score of 2-1.’It doesn’t look good’ – Roy Keane tips Marcus Rashford for Man Utd transfer exit after he is DROPPED for City clashThe Red Devils equalised just two minutes before full-time when Matheus Nunes gave the ball away to Amad Diallo and then fouled him inside the area before Bruno Fernandes scored from the spot.And the visitors turned the game on its head only two minutes later when a stunning ball from Lisandro Martinez found Amad who flicked it over Ederson and sealed the three points with a fine finish.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 bets 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 Edersonn 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 ina deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zrikzee 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

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      Arsenal vs Everton is Prem’s feistiest fixture… Mikel Arteta’s physical Gunners remind me of Toffees under David Moyes

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      ARSENAL and Everton are top of the Prem red card charts because they have always liked physical players who never ducked out of contact.Since the Premier League’s launch in 1992, the Toffees have 108 reds and the Gunners 107 — including three this term — 14 more than third-placed Newcastle.Mark Halsey was not on Sol Campbell’s Christmas card list after sending him off a few timesCredit: AFPArsenal and Everton have received the most red cards in Prem historyCredit: RexGoodison Park fans want blood-and-thunder tackles in end-to-end matches.They were so hostile towards opponents and referees — although I never had a problem at Everton — because they knew the importance of cranking up pressure.While matches between Arsenal and Everton have not historically been the dirtiest, I landed a feisty clash between them in 2003 where I had to issue TWO red cards — to Sol Campbell and Li Tie — at Highbury.It was the second time I sent off Sol in the space of five months.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe first was for elbowing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in April of the 2002-03 season during a crunch title game with Manchester United which ended 2-2.Sol brought his arm back, and right in front of my assistant Nigel Miller, who said the contact was deliberate.He appealed his dismissal but did not win.Arsene Wenger’s assistant Pat Rice and Sol came into the Highbury dressing room but I told them what I saw was a deliberate elbow. We agreed to disagree.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt meant Sol missed the FA Cup final in 2003 due to a four-game ban.His absence did not cost Wenger’s team as they beat Southampton 1-0 in Cardiff, although United won the league.Arsenal’s SET-PIECE COACH gets very own mural outside Emirates Stadium as fans say ‘this is just tragic… game’s gone’I refereed Arsenal v Everton at Highbury on the opening day of the following season — which the Gunners won as Invincibles — and sent off Sol again.He was being investigated by the FA at the time after kicking Manchester United’s Eric Djemba-Djemba in the Community Shield.I said during the game that we could not go through it without speaking to each other… he did not reply.After 25 minutes, Everton’s Thomas Gravesen was going through on goal and Sol brought him down and it was a clear denial of a goalscoring opportunity.He knew a red was coming and just walked off — so he did not say a word to me that day. Safe to say, I wasn’t on his Christmas card list that year.I also sent off Li Tie later for a second yellow. It is one of just three Prem fixtures between the clubs in which two players have been sent off.Mikel Arteta was a ‘moaner’ back in his playing daysCredit: AP:Associated PressDavid Moyes has always wanted his sides to be physicalCredit: ReutersPatrick Vieira and Duncan Ferguson are perhaps unsurprisingly in the top three players from the two clubs for red cards in the Premier League — with eight each.Patrick was tough to referee because no quarter was taken as an incredibly tough-tackling midfielder.Big Dunc was a traditional No 9 — he would take it and give it. I had to keep talking to him to keep him on side.Managers like David Moyes, who I got on well with, loved the physicality of players like Big Dunc.I remember sending off Toffees defender Joseph Yobo in a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle before Alan Shearer’s stunner.David rang me up — as you could when Keith Hackett was in charge — a few days later to admit I had to send off Yobo.He wanted that intensity to make Everton a fortress, which it was. It was always very tough to referee and you had to stay switched on.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was one of his players at Everton. He was a moaner on the pitch but I got on well with him.READ MORE SUN STORIESYou can argue some of the red cards Arsenal have received under Mikel have been dubious but the passion from the manager goes into the players.The physicality of this Gunners team reminds me of both that Everton side under Moyes and 2003-era Arsenal team featuring Campbell.How to stop Arsenal at cornersArsenal have turned into a prolific team when it comes to scoring from corners.The Gunners have now scored 22 goals from them since the start of last season – seven more than their nearest rival Manchester City and eight more than Premier League leaders Liverpool.Two of them came against Manchester United – Jurrien Timber and William Saliba netting in the second half to earn Mikel Arteta’s men a vital win as they chase down Arne Slot’s Reds.Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were the architects with their deliveries, and each now have seven set-piece assists since the start of the 2023/24 campaign – more than any other player.United legend Dimitar Berbatov joked Arsenal are the new Stoke City of the top flight – a side under Tony Pulis who terrorised the so-called “bigger clubs” with set-piece mastery.Here are four ways to stop Arteta’s side at corners More

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      Shamed referee David Coote seen for first time since being sacked as Premier League referee

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      SHAMED ref David Coote was seen yesterday for the first time since he was sacked.The 42-year-old wore a hoodie and tracksuit bottoms for a visit to the gym.Shamed ref David Coote was seen yesterday for the first time since his sacking, as he was pictured heading to the gymCredit: BackGridThe loss of Coote’s career is set to cost the glum-looking ref £1m over the next few years in loss of earningsCredit: BackGridReferees body, The PGMOL sacked Coote on Monday after probing his rants and drug use, based on evidence from The SunCredit: PADespite having no games to officiate, Coote enjoyed a weights and cardio session.Coote has been lying low near his Midlands home since a video emerged of him calling ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “German c***”. He was then filmed snorting white powder at Euro 2024.Referees body the PGMOL, who examined evidence provided by The Sun, sacked him on Monday following a probe into his sweary rants and white powder abuse.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEThe Sun also told how he allegedly arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester City on October 30.Coote was then the subject of a new probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to order. A separate independent Football Association investigation is ongoing.The loss of Coote’s career is set to cost him £1m over the next few years in loss of earnings.Most read in FootballThe top-flight ref was filmed snorting white powder at Euro 2024The former ref was looking glum as he made his way to and from the gym sessionCredit: BackGridDespite having no games to officiate, the 42-year-old enjoyed a weights and cardio sessionCredit: BackGridCoote sent messages arranging a drugs party in a Travelodge for after a cup game between Tottenham and Manchester CityCredit: BackGridCoote has been lying low near his Midlands homeCredit: BackGridThe shamed ref, seen here getting into his car after his gym outing, has also been the subject of a new probe over allegedly issuing a yellow card to orderCredit: BackGridMoment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024 More

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      Top flight referee sacked for failing to turn up to match ‘after he was drugged by escort the night before’

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      A REFEREE has been sacked after failing to turn up to a match after allegedly being drugged.Mexico top flight ref Rosario Cardenas has not officiated a match since missing a fixture between Monterrey and Tigres in October.Rosario Cardenas has been sacked following an investigationCredit: GettyCardenas was set to be the fourth official for the clash but did not turn up – supposedly due to an incident that happened the night before.He was suspended by the Mexican Referees Commission pending an investigation, which has now concluded and resulted in his sacking.A statement read: “In order to ensure transparency and compliance with the protocols, this Commission informs that, following the investigation, it has decided to terminate the contract of the referee Rosario Guadalupe Cárdenas for non-compliance with the Arbitration Rules.”The Commission initially explained Cardenas absence from the match was down to “medical reasons”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut former referee Francisco Chacon has since claimed Cardenas was absent due to his actions the night before.He suggested Cardenas hired a woman to come round to his hotel room, and she subsequently drugged and assaulted the official.Chacon said: “It turns out that Mr. Rosario Cardenas decided to hire a companion one day before the game.”He took her to his hotel where he was staying, and there he was drugged and assaulted, which is why he did not make it to his game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”That was the ‘medical reason’.”Mexican newspaper Record reported the official had been found to have violated the ‘ethical and professional values’ of Mexican Football Federation, with a source stating an investigation remains ongoing into the reports Cardenas had been assaulted by a sex worker.Roy Keane was one of the most difficult players I ever refereed – he was in my face before I got the yellow card out More

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      Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder

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      DAVID Coote has been sacked as a Premier League referee after videos of him ranting about ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and snorting a white powder emerged.The 42-year-old was caught on video labelling the former Reds boss a “German c***”.David Coote has been sacked as a Premier League refereeCredit: ReutersIt comes after a video surfaced of him blasting ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in an X-rated rantCredit: XSunSport then revealed a video of him snorting a suspicious white powderThen the Sun exclusively revealed a film of Coote snorting what appears to be cocaine while officiating at this summer’s Euros in Germany.In the eight-second WhatsApp clip, the under-fire ref was wide-eyed as he used a rolled-up US banknote to snort a four-inch line of the substance in his Uefa-funded hotel room – the day after acting as a VAR for France’s quarter-final shootout win over Portugal.The PGMOL, who are responsible for refereeing in English professional football, were investigating the anti-Liverpool matter and suspended Coote pending an outcome.They have now confirmed his employment has been terminated.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement read: “Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into David Coote’s conduct, his employment with PGMOL has been terminated today with immediate effect.”David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable.”Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare.””David Coote has a right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment.”Most read in FootballUefa had already removed Coote from their matchlist for a Nations League game during the international break.Meanwhile, FIFA are also looking into his part-time position with them.The sensational videos were set to end Coote’s career and cost him a fortune in lost earnings.As a Select Group 1 referee he is understood to earn in the region of £100,000 a year.The initial video posted in November shows Coote laying into Klopp and labelling him “f***ing arrogant”.He also said Liverpool were “s**t” in the footage, which was recorded several years ago.Coote has not denied the authenticity of the video but “does not recall” making it.The official has history with Klopp, who left the Kop giants in May.They clashed after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley at Anfield in July 2020 during the pandemic-hit season.The explosive comments cast serious doubt on his impartiality and suitability to referee in English football again.The man who filmed Coote’s anti-Liverpool rant has been named as former Nottinghamshire cricketer Ben Kitt.Premier League referee David Coote SUSPENDED as video appears to show him calling Klopp a ‘c***’ in anti-Liverpool rantKitt has also reportedly been suspended from his job.After the video emerged, PGMOL chief Howard Webb said: “We became aware of a video that was being circulated on social media that we are taking very seriously.”We’ve instigated a full investigation. One of our referees, David Coote, has been suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of that investigation.”There’s not much more I can say at this stage until we’ve worked through that investigation.”The referee is also at the centre of an FA betting probe after it emerged he discussed giving a yellow card before a match.The conversation occurred as Leeds took on West Brom in the Championship in October 2019.During the game, he booked Leeds ace Ezgjan Alioski for a foul on Darnell Furlong, which experts have suggested was justified.The 42-year-old messaged pals after the game saying: “I hope you backed as discussed.”It is understood that Coote accepts a discussion took place, but claims it was only “banter” and nothing improper took place.The FA said it was investigating the “very serious allegations as a matter of urgency”.Shocking David Coote video in fullFirst videoFirst man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.”Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.”So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”First man: “Mask on, obviously.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”First man: “We have to social distance.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”Second videoSecond man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.”Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”Leeds have broken their silence on the matter with the release of a statement.It read: “Leeds United are aware of allegations regarding the conduct of a match official, involving our Championship fixture v WBA in Oct 2019.”We respect & have full confidence in the FA, EFL & PGMOL regulations & processes.”We will be making no further comment at this time.”Coote has denied any wrongdoing in relation to this matter.There has also been no suggestion that he made any financial gains.Coote maintained his innocence on the matter in a statement and claimed he has always held the “integrity of the game in the highest regard”.A statement read: “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.”Last month, SunSport’s bombshell exclusive showed Coote snorting the white powder on his bedside table alongside scattered packets of prescription drugs, a credit card, and the Terry Hayes novel The Year of The Locust.He sent the clip to a pal and it’s believed he filmed himself in the hotel he stayed in during the tournament. The ref sent another photo from Frankfurt on July 1.  It showed his credit cards on a saucer either side of six chopped-up lines of suspicious white powder. Other videos were sent over the summer from France, where Coote officiated at three football matches at the Paris Olympics.The friend, who wishes to remain anonymous, also reveals that the referee made other derogatory remarks about Everton and Liverpool defender Andy Robertson.Coote branded Goodison Park – the ground of Liverpool’s rivals Everton – as the worst place to referee due to the fans “shouting abuse so close to the pitch”.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it’s “too far away” and moaned he was “too big” to have to ref at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena for their Championship clash against Oxford United on August 16.The pal is speaking out to highlight Coote apparently bragging of taking drugs repeatedly during tournaments and big Prem matches.Coote had already been suspended pending the outcome of a PGMOL investigationCredit: ReutersDavid Coote is at the centre of a betting probe from the FACredit: GettyThis video was taken in Coote’s Euro 2024 hotel in GermanyThe ref also made derogatory comments about Everton’s Goodison ParkCredit: Reuters More