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      Michael Oliver’s family home being guarded by police after referee received death threats following Lewis-Skelly red

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      MICHAEL OLIVER’S family home is being guarded by police, according to reports.The Premier League referee has been subjected to disgusting abuse and even received death threats in the wake of the red card he showed to Myles Lewis-Skelly.Michael Oliver has police protection after receiving death threatsCredit: GettyThe referee sent Myles Lewis-Skelly off for this challenge on Matt DohertyCredit: AlamyOliver, 39, dismissed the Arsenal youngster for his cynical trip on Matt Doherty in the first half of the Gunners’ 1-0 win away at Wolves on Saturday.He deemed the challenge as “serious foul play” – prompting a straight red and a three-match ban. The decision left Mikel Arteta “fuming” while the likes of Ian Wright, Pat Nevin, Keith Hackett and SunSport’s Mark Halsey shared their dismay. Many supporters also vented their anger at the decision.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut some of the reactions from fans were unacceptable as personal messages of hate and even sickening threats to kill Oliver and his two-year-old daughter. It is alleged one person vowed to smash the windows of their house – three weeks after an apparent threat to bomb Oliver’s car, the Daily Mail reports.And now The Times state the referee is under ongoing police protection.A police car was parked in the street of the family home on Sunday morning to check on their safety.Most read in FootballPolice patrols continue to operate around the family home while the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) are investigating the threats. The UKFPU is working with social media companies to track down the senders of the online messages. Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey slams decision not to overturn Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in Arsenal’s win over WolvesA spokesperson said on Monday: “Officers from the UKFPU have launched an investigation after a number of abusive messages were directed toward a referee following a Premier League match.“On Sunday January 26 police were contacted by the UK Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in relation to social media messages directed towards referee Michael Oliver.“Enquiries are in the early stages and officers are working closely with social media providers, including Facebook and X, to identify those responsible for the messages.”The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) released their own statement on Sunday condemning the atrocious abuse.It said: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced.”We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.”We will continue to support all investigations.”Arsenal were hoping the PGMOL would overturn the decision – as they did when Bruno Fernandes was “wrongfully” sent off against Tottenham in September.But on Tuesday the North Londoners officially lodged an appeal against the red card. As for Oliver, he will return to refereeing on Wednesday when he takes charge of Barcelona vs Atalanta in the Champions League.The official then was handed a huge relegation six-pointer on Saturday as Ipswich host Southampton – but will not be involved at the Emirates on Sunday when Arsenal host Manchester City.READ MORE SUN STORIESOliver, though, did get given the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park with Liverpool making the short trip to face Everton on February 12 in a game rearranged from December due to the storms.The decision to show the red card stunned manyCredit: GettyArsenal players, staff and fans were furiousCredit: GettyThe Gunners have officially launched an appealCredit: Getty More

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      Michael Oliver handed huge Premier League title clash after Arsenal controversy as referee’s next games are revealed

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      MICHAEL OLIVER will referee a Premier League game this Saturday and a huge title clash next month.The official is at the centre of huge controversy for sending off Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly in a decision that has been slammed by fans and pundits.Michael Oliver’s next games have been confirmedCredit: AlamyOliver controversially handed Myles Lewis-Skelly a red cardCredit: RexThe ref has come under fierce criticism from fans and punditsCredit: PABut he will be back on the field in the Champions League on Wednesday for Barcelona vs Atalanta and then this weekend he will oversee the Ipswich vs Southampton.The 39-year-old ref will then have the whistle for the Merseyside derby on February 12 as Everton welcome Liverpool to Goodison Park.The fixture has been re-arranged from December 7 after it was postponed due to Storm Darragh. Liverpool currently sit six points above Arsenal at the top of the table and the derby is their game in-hand over the Gunners.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOliver was the subject of fierce criticism for red carding Lewis-Skelly against Wolves for a foul on Matt Doherty.The wonderkid cynically tripped the defender as he broke away on the counter-attack, with most expecting a yellow to be shown.But Oliver shockingly brandished a red for serious foul play and the decision was not overturned by VAR.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left “absolutely fuming” and club icon Ian Wright slammed it as a “joke”.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBBC pundit Pat Nevin hit out at the standard of officiating, claiming it set a “bar so low even a limbo dancing snake couldn’t get under it”.Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett agreed that Oliver made a “major error” and felt he needed a “rest for a couple of weeks” to stay out the firing line.Fans spot Arsenal star Leandro Trossard’s 6-word comment about Michael Oliver to Wolves ace Police have also launched an investigation after the Newcastle-born whistleblower received vile death threats.The PGMOL issued a statement on Sunday, saying it was “appalled” by the “abhorrent” threats and abuse aimed at their official.Darren England, who was on VAR in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves and decided not to overturn Lewis-Skelly’s red card, has also come under fire.He will ref another title-impacting game this Saturday as he has been given Bournemouth vs Liverpool.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one. 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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      Premier League trolled over ‘absolute shambles’ picture on website as fans say ‘I thought this was fake’

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      FANS have slammed the Premier League as an “absolute shambles” over a bizarre photo choice on their website.Refereeing decisions once again caused huge controversy over the weekend as Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off for a challenge on Wolves defender Matt Doherty.The Premier League used a controversial snap on their page about high foot challengesJeremy Doku’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister was not given as a penaltyCredit: AFPFans have been looking into the laws of the game after Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red cardCredit: RexThe 18-year-old was red carded for serious foul play and will now serve a three-match ban.It led to supporters swatting up on the rules of the game, with fans left baffled by a picture on the Prem’s website.One fan investigating the laws on high foot challenges noticed that a snap of Jeremy Doku kicking Alexis Mac Allister was used as the main image on the page.The challenge occurred during Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool in March last season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt proved to be one of the most controversial refereeing moments in the title race as Doku’s last-gasp high foot went unpunished.PGMOL chief Howard Webb later came out and BACKED the decision, saying VAR was correct to not give Liverpool a penalty.So fans were left utterly baffled by the photo being used to illustrate a high foot, with one saying: “Premier league website using this Doku challenge on Mac Allister as an example of a high foot when it wasn’t even given as a foul in the game. Absolute shambles.”Another added: “They’re the biggest wind-up merchants going.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA third wrote: “I thought this was fake.”The point City picked up proved crucial as they ended up finishing just two ahead of Arsenal to win the title.Jurgen Klopp confronts referee after 98th minute season-defining VAR call saves Man City at AnfieldOfficial Michael Oliver was the referee that day and he was again the man with the whistle for Lewis-Skelly’s red card.Former head of the PGMOL Keith Hackett claims Oliver and Darren England on the VAR made a “major error” by sending off the Arsenal wonderkid.He even suggested that the under-fire official “needs a rest for a couple of weeks” to recover from the mistake and that VAR needs reforming. MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one. More

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      ‘Funniest thing I’ve seen’ – Fans spot Arsenal star Leandro Trossard’s 6-word comment about Michael Oliver to Wolves ace

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      ARSENAL fans think they’ve spotted Leandro Trossard making a “hilarious” comment about referee Michael Oliver during the Gunners’ 1-0 win over Wolves on Saturday.Oliver has been the subject of much chatter since the match after controversially sending off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly. Micheal Oliver showed Joao Gomes a yellow card for delaying the restart on SaturdayCredit: RexLeandro Trossard was approached Gomes to seemingly make a comment about OliverCredit: XTrossard appeared to say ‘that’s what he did to me’Credit: XBut it was his first yellow card to Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes that had Trossard passing comment on the Premier League official.Gomes, who was ultimately sent off for a second yellow card offence in the second half, was booked for delaying the restart in the first half.And Arsenal star Trossard was quick to try and intervene while the Brazilian protested his innocence to Micheal Oliver.Gomes was hoping to talk his way out of the booking, but Trossard reminded the 23-year-old that he had suffered the same fate against Man City earlier in the season.READ MORE ON ARSENALA clip of the Belgian forward appeared to show him saying to Gomes: “That’s what he did to me”.Trossard was sent off against Man City back in September after receiving a second yellow card for delaying the restart.Arsenal fans were loving their star’s hark back to the 2-2 draw and reacted on social media.One wrote: “Funniest thing I’ve seen today”.Most read in FootballLeandro Trossard was sent off by Michael Oliver after a second yellow card for delaying the restart against Man City this seasonCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another added: “Trossard is low-key hilarious”.A third joked: “He said, ‘welcome to the club bro’.” Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely fuming’ after controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardAnd a fourth posted: “I’m still laughing at this clip the next day”.Oliver would later send off 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly for a trip some 90-yards from the Arsenal box, sparking fury from former players and pundits across the football world.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta claimed he was “fuming” about the decision, but remained calm enough to suggest that he won’t be complaining.Arteta told reporters that he hopes that an appeal won’t even be necessary and that the PGMOL will overturn the decision themselves as they did with Bruno Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham earlier in the season.Ian Wright claimed that the refereeing in the Premier League is “nowhere near it” in a video on social media.While Match of the Day host Mark Chapman claimed the red card was “baffling and nonsensical from supposedly one of our best referees”.Alan Shearer blasted it as “one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in a long time”He said: “As a referee, you can get it wrong on the pitch, you might see something which is incorrect.”How on earth Darren England, the VAR, thinks that the referee has got that right and there is no need to send him to the screen is beyond me.Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off by Michael Oliver against Wolves on SaturdayCredit: PALewis-Skelly was dismissed for a foul on Matt DohertyCredit: AlamyMARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.”I just cannot see and work out what VAR is thinking going along with Michael Oliver’s decision. No wonder it gets criticised by so many people.”And BBC Five Live pundit Pat Nevin said labelling such a challenge serious foul play was setting “a bar so low even a limbo dancing snake couldn’t get under it”.Even ex-Tottenham star Jamie O’Hara said: “I’m all for Arsenal having a beast but that is never ever a red card, one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen. Jheez lol”.While the comments on social media from fans went too far, with the PGMOL releasing a statement revealing Oliver had been subject to death threats and “abhorrent abuse”.It read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced. We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.”We will continue to support all investigations.”Arsenal legend Ian Wright hits out at Myles Lewis Skelly red card decisionIAN WRIGHT has joined the long-list of former professionals and pundits to be left reeling by the decision to send off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly on Saturday.The cynical challenge left most fans expecting a yellow card, but the Hale End graduate was shown red by referee Michael Oliver instead.Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes led the on-field protests as Arsenal’s players showed their frustration at the decision.And now Gunners icon Ian Wright has weighed in on the incident, claiming that it’s “never a red”.In a video posted on social media by the former Premier Legue bagsman, he fumed: “It’s a joke!”Anyone that has ever played the game, and I’m not even talking Premier League, I’m talking five-a-side, Sunday league, knows that it’s never a red.”Yellow card, nobody says a word. Time and time again, this level of refereeing [and] the decisions in the Premier League… the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies.”All of them are just the centre of attention for me. We can’t criticise too hard because, where are the refs going to come from? Where are we going to get them?”But I’m sorry, this is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees. When will the Premier League bring the best refs into the so called ‘best league in the world’?”Because at the moment, with this level of refereeing, we’re nowhere near it. Nowhere near it.” More