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      Leeds break silence after shamed ref David Coote probed for booking their player after speaking about it BEFORE game

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      LEEDS have broken their silence after shamed referee David Coote was investigated for booking one of their players.The referee is at the centre of an FA betting probe after it emerged he discussed giving a yellow card before a match.David Coote is at the centre of a betting probe from the FACredit: GettyCoote booked Ezgjan Alioski during Leeds’ clash against West BromCredit: YouTubeThe 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.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe FA said it was investigating the “very serious allegations as a matter of urgency”.Leeds have now 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.Most read in Football”We will be making no further comment at this time.”Coote has denied any wrongdoing.Moment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024Coote was filmed having an X-rated rant about Jurgen KloppCredit: XHe was caught snorting a white powder at the EurosNo referees have EVER been tested for drugs as David Coote faces end of Premier League careerEXCLUSIVE by Martin LiptonNO referees or match officials have ever been tested for drugs – as David Coote’s apparent “cocaine shame” is set to end his career.While all players and other athletes in British sport are subject to drug testing rules, including post-match and out of competition action, the regulations do not apply to match officials.That is the case globally across not just football and throughout the world rather than only in the UK.All sports follow the World Anti-Doping Authority code, aimed at preventing athletes gaining an advantage by using performance-enhancing substances.The Wada banned list also includes recreational drugs.But the Wada provisions, also followed by UK Anti Doping, which conducts tests across British sport, makes no reference to match officials.UKAD explains: “Any UK athlete subject to the anti-doping rules of their sport and non-UK athlete staying, training, residing, entering a competition,”Or named as a member of a team participating in a competition at any level within the UK is eligible for testing as part of UKAD’s national anti-doping programme.“Any athlete eligible for testing can be tested anytime, anywhere.”But the regulations do not apply to match officials – because of the “performance enhancing” provision of the world code.The PGMOL have revealed they are aware of the video of him sniffing a white powder.They told The Sun: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation.”David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period.”We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”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.”Coote was suspended earlier this month for his foul-mouthed rant about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.He was also filmed snorting a white powder during the Euros this summer.SunSport have exclusively reported that the referee is expected to QUIT from his role before he is sacked.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.” More

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

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      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***”. 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      ‘Everybody makes mistakes’ – Ex-Premier League ref Mark Halsey says David Coote should KEEP job despite snorting shame

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      FORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey reckons David Coote should keep his job despite his snorting shame.SunSport exclusively revealed the moment top-flight official Coote snorted a white powder in a video taken during Euro 2024.Mark Halsey hopes David Coote can keep his ref job despite his snorting shameCoote was also filmed branding ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘German c**t’Credit: XWe also revealed how he set up a drugs party in a Travelodge before last month’s Carabao Cup clash between Tottenham and Man City – even sending a message during half-time while acting as the fourth official.Coote’s drug shame came to light following his suspension after being filmed in another video branding ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “German c**t.”An investigation has now been launched by the Premier League and the PGMOL referee body.While it has since been revealed that no referee or match official has ever been tested for drugs in the history of the Prem.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA decision on Coote’s future will be made once the PGMOL have concluded their investigation.But former Prem official Halsey would like to see him continue working as a ref.Speaking on SunSport’s YouTube show The Whistleblower, Halsey expressed sympathy for Coote’s situation while saying “everybody makes mistakes.”He urged the Premier League and PGMOL to ensure a duty of care for the suspended ref.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Halsey is hopeful Coote can get the help he needs before returning to the field as an official.When asked where the situation left the PGMOL – and the credibility of Prem refs – Halsey said: “It’s difficult for me to say.Moment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024Shocking 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.”“Obviously a lot of officials will be hurting and there will be feeling for David Coote.“I feel for David, he’s got to be supported by the PGMOL with his mental health. I can imagine exactly what he’s going through at this present time.“People could argue he’s bought it upon himself but at the same time we’ve got a duty of care with David, the PGMOL and the Premier League, a duty of care to help him get through this.“The question to ask is does he deserve to keep his position as an elite referee? I’m not going to make any judgement on that.“Everybody makes mistakes, I’d like to see him rehabilitated on situations and perhaps keep his job.“Hopefully he learns from his mistakes but that’s not for me to decide. That’s down to the PGMOL and Premier League to carry out their investigation and come to a conclusion.” More

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      ‘Everybody makes mistakes’ – Ex-Premier League ref Mark Halsey says David Coote should KEEP job despite cocaine shame

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      FORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey reckons David Coote should keep his job despite his cocaine shame.SunSport exclusively revealed the moment top-flight official Coote snorted the class-A drug in a video taken during Euro 2024.Mark Halsey hopes David Coote can keep his ref job despite his cocaine shameCoote was also filmed branding ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a ‘German c**t’Credit: XWe also revealed how he set up a drugs party in a Travelodge before last month’s Carabao Cup clash between Tottenham and Man City – even sending a message during half-time while acting as the fourth official.Coote’s drug shame came to light following his suspension after being filmed in another video branding ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “German c**t.”An investigation has now been launched by the Premier League and the PGMOL referee body.While it has since been revealed that no referee or match official has ever been tested for drugs in the history of the Prem.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA decision on Coote’s future will be made once the PGMOL have concluded their investigation.But former Prem official Halsey would like to see him continue working as a ref.Speaking on SunSport’s YouTube show The Whistleblower, Halsey expressed sympathy for Coote’s situation while saying “everybody makes mistakes.”He urged the Premier League and PGMOL to ensure a duty of care for the suspended ref.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Halsey is hopeful Coote can get the help he needs before returning to the field as an official.When asked where the situation left the PGMOL – and the credibility of Prem refs – Halsey said: “It’s difficult for me to say.Moment scandal-hit Prem ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024Shocking 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.”“Obviously a lot of officials will be hurting and there will be feeling for David Coote.“I feel for David, he’s got to be supported by the PGMOL with his mental health. I can imagine exactly what he’s going through at this present time.“People could argue he’s bought it upon himself but at the same time we’ve got a duty of care with David, the PGMOL and the Premier League, a duty of care to help him get through this.“The question to ask is does he deserve to keep his position as an elite referee? I’m not going to make any judgement on that.“Everybody makes mistakes, I’d like to see him rehabilitated on situations and perhaps keep his job.“Hopefully he learns from his mistakes but that’s not for me to decide. That’s down to the PGMOL and Premier League to carry out their investigation and come to a conclusion.” More

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      ‘Referees don’t understand football!’ – Ex-Prem official slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea and Liverpool errors

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      FORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey has criticised officials for their knowledge of the game following controversial decisions over the weekend.Halsey, 63, took charge of top-flight matches in England from 1999 to 2013.Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi avoided a red card for this challenge on Chelsea’s Cole PalmerCredit: GettyLiverpool were awarded a penalty after the ball struck Southampton defender Yukinari Sugawara’s armCredit: AFPFormer Premier League referee Mark Halsey has slammed the PGMOL for last weekend’s decisionsNow he is a SunSport analyst and columnist and regularly gives his take on decisions made by the current crop of Premier League referees.And in the latest episode of The Whistleblower he highlighted two particular calls he believes were mistakes.The first of those was the penalty Liverpool were awarded which won them the game against Southampton after the ball struck Yukinari Sugawara’s arm in the box.Halsey went on to insist it is the type of decision which highlights referees’ lack of knowledge of the game outside the written laws.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “I thought it was a bit harsh [the Sugawara handball]. You can’t run with your arms by your side. You can’t jump with your arms by your side.”It’s come off his chest onto his arm. They’re in a natural position for that phrase of play.”That’s what I’m saying about training education with our referees about incidents like that with handball. It’s about knowing the game.”It’s all right knowing the laws of the game. It’s about knowing the game of football.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHalsey has also taken umbrage with Wilfred Ndidi only being shown a yellow card for a challenge on Cole Palmer during Leicester’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.Ndidi appeared to rake his boot down the Achilles of the England international, but avoided a straight red.Premier League referee David Coote update after statement from UEFA and revelation that referees don’t get drug testedYet Halsey saw the incident very differently, describing it as a “career-threatening challenge”.He added: “I thought it was a very, very poor challenge when I saw it again.”In real time Andy Madley hasn’t recognised the intensity of the challenge.”I was surprised when the Premier League match centre came out and said there was no intensity.”But I’ll say it again, I said it earlier, when a player lunges at an opponent in that manner, from one or two feet, from the front, from the side, from the back, it has to be sanctioned a serious foul play.”That was the worst challenge of the weekend. And I was very, very surprised that Paul Tierney, the VAR, did not recommend a review.”That was a career-threatening challenge. It’s the training and education of VAR, when to come in and when not to come in.” More

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      Premier League managers slam the PGMOL amid David Coote scandal as Russell Martin demands ‘honesty’

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      RUSSELL MARTIN has told under-fire refs’ chief Howard Webb: You need to be more honest to make VAR a success.Southampton became the latest Premier League club to criticise PGMOL, in the wake of the David Coote scandal, following two controversial decisions in the 2-0 loss at Wolves this month.PGMOL chiefs have yet to conclude their investigation into David CooteCredit: PAFootage appeared to show referee Coote sniffing white powderThe video was from a hotel during Euro 2024Former top-flight whistler Mark Halsey called for an independent investigation into the referees’ body with the state of top-flight officiating at “an all-time low”.The panel that reviews PGMOL decisions claimed VAR made only TWO mistakes this season, before Webb later admitted awarding West Ham a penalty against Manchester United last month was also wrong.But Saints boss Martin, who held a meeting with Webb during the international break, said: “If we’re going to improve VAR and make it better, we need to have real honesty and accountability.”Martin was left frustrated after a Ryan Manning goal against Wolves was ruled out before Matheus Cunha put the hosts two up with an effort that he felt should have been chalked off.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe added: “I still have an issue with our goal and a foul on the second goal. I also have an issue with them coming out and saying it was a correct decision ultimately.“For it to come out as a correct decision in the match review is frustrating to me.”Saints join fellow promoted sides Ipswich and Leicester as well as Wolves themselves in fuming over controversial decisions given against them this season.Martin said: “We’ve been told a few times on decisions we’ve been on the wrong end of that it has to be a clear and obvious error.Most read in FootballRussell Martin believes only more ‘honesty’ will improve VARCredit: GettyNo referees have EVER been tested for drugs as David Coote faces end of Premier League careerEXCLUSIVE by Martin LiptonNO referees or match officials have ever been tested for drugs – as David Coote’s apparent “cocaine shame” is set to end his career.While all players and other athletes in British sport are subject to drug testing rules, including post-match and out of competition action, the regulations do not apply to match officials.That is the case globally across not just football and throughout the world rather than only in the UK.All sports follow the World Anti-Doping Authority code, aimed at preventing athletes gaining an advantage by using performance-enhancing substances.The Wada banned list also includes recreational drugs.But the Wada provisions, also followed by UK Anti Doping, which conducts tests across British sport, makes no reference to match officials.UKAD explains: “Any UK athlete subject to the anti-doping rules of their sport and non-UK athlete staying, training, residing, entering a competition,”Or named as a member of a team participating in a competition at any level within the UK is eligible for testing as part of UKAD’s national anti-doping programme.“Any athlete eligible for testing can be tested anytime, anywhere.”But the regulations do not apply to match officials – because of the “performance enhancing” provision of the world code.The PGMOL have revealed they are aware of the video of him sniffing a white powder.They told The Sun: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation.”David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period.”We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”“Ryan’s goal is open to interpretation. It’s the wrong decision because it’s not a clear and obvious error.  We are going to disagree on that forever.“For the second goal, they should take longer on analysing the foul from Craig Dawson because it’s a foul.Snorting ref David Coote set up drugs party in Travelodge before Man City game – & even sent half time text about it“I don’t want to be moaning about decisions all the time.“I’d love to go back to human error and balance out over the season.“But if you still make a mistake after that process  it becomes even more frustrating.”PGMOL chiefs confirmed yesterday that they have yet to conclude their investigation into suspended Coote.The shamed 42-year-old made derogatory comments in an X-rated video rant at ex-Reds boss Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.A PGMOL statement read: “We’re following an internal process and taking the allegations into David’s conduct very seriously as part of our ongoing  thorough investigation.“Whilst David remains suspended, his welfare continues to be important to us and he is aware of the support network available to him.”The FA have launched their own probe into Coote, while Uefa also suspended and are investigating the Nottinghamshire ref after footage emerged of him appearing to sniff white powder in a hotel at Euro 2024.Steve Cooper gave an unusual reason for not speaking outCredit: GettyThomas Frank reckons it’s unfair that refs face ‘crazy’ pressureCredit: RexLeicester boss Steve Cooper joked his dad — former top referee Keith — would show him the red card if he gave his opinion on Coote’s suspension.Asked if the revelations about Coote would knock managers’ confidence in referees, Cooper replied: “I can’t go into that.” He then joked: “I’m more worried about what my dad would say to me if I answered that!”Martin added: “Referee are humans. They all make mistakes the same way we do. My trust probably eroded a bit more after the decision at Wolves than it did in watching a human make a mistake on a camera.“Let’s have a bit of compassion and understanding. I’m sure he’s feeling very upset and embarrassed about it.“What they do outside of their  football career as a referee really has no impact in how much I trust them.”Brentford boss Thomas Frank said: “We need to think about the pressure on the referees. READ MORE SUN STORIES”No player or manager gets as much abuse on the pitch as a ref does – that’s crazy.“It’s like the mental bin where we get all our anger out and then go, ‘Ah, we feel good.’ It shouldn’t be like that.” More

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      Isak denied goal by ‘worst offside decision ever seen’ after VAR blunder as fans ‘can’t work out how it was ruled out’

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      ALEXANDER ISAK was bizarrely denied a goal for Sweden after a shocking error from VAR.The Newcastle ace was in action for his nation against Azerbaijan during a 6-0 mauling in the Uefa Nations League.Alexander Isak at the top of the screen was judged to be offside and had a goal ruled out for SwedenCredit: ViaplayVAR drew offside lines from Isak despite Viktor Gyokeres being the recipient of the passCredit: ViaplayIsak revealed there had been an argument between players and officials in the tunnel about the decisionCredit: RexTottenham star Dejan Kulusevski had opened the scoring after 10 minutes before Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres netted a brace before the break to make it 3-0.The ex-Coventry player soon turned provider as he picked up the ball in injury time and slipped a pass to Isak, who carried the ball down the left wing before cutting inside to shoot into the bottom left corner. However, despite no original suggestion of offside, VAR bizarrely ruled out the goal.The judgement was clearly incorrect when viewing a replay as Isak, 25, was well onside when Gyokeres played him the ball.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it turned out that VAR had drawn the lines to Isak at the wrong time.Instead, VAR had strangely drawn the lines from Isak when Gyokeres, 26, had originally picked up the move inside his OWN HALF.The decision left fans and even reporters confused, with Siavoush Fallahi writing on social media: “I’m crying they gave an offside on Isak when the ball went to Gyokeres in the middle.”A fan said: “Possibly the worst offside decision I’ve ever seen I still can’t work out how Isak’s goal has been ruled out.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA second added: “They drew the line on Isak for the pass to Gyokeres.”Another said: “We need a VAR check for VAR.”VAR footage of William Saliba red card released by PGMOL as Arsenal fans rage at Liverpool fan’s inputSweden went on to win the match 6-0, with Gyokeres scoring two more and Kulusevski bagging another while Isak also missed a penalty shortly after half-time.Speaking after the game, Isak revealed he and his team-mates had been engaged in an argument with the VAR officials over the decision in the player tunnel at half-time.According to the Sweden Herald, he said: “How is that possible? Seriously. It’s almost the worst I’ve seen.”I’m happy, of course, that we win, but I score a goal that should be allowed, then it’s clear that you get annoyed.”I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything like this at this level when I’ve been involved. “You’ve seen a lot of mistakes, but this one was pretty rough. The VAR referees stood in the player tunnel at halftime. “We argued with them, but they stuck to their decision that they had made the right call.”National team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson was just as angry, adding: “I was furious, the whole team was furious. I don’t understand it. For me, it was a goal, but we can’t change it.”The game ensured Sweden won their Nations League C Group 1 with five wins and one draw, while Azerbaijan finished bottom of the group without a win.Sweden are the only nation inside the top 30 ranked leagues in Europe who do not use VAR.Having been written into IFAB rules in 2018, the Allsvenskan remains an exception by refusing to implement it.Ola Thews, vice-chairman of Swedish giant AIK’s largest supporter organization, ASK, said of VAR in August: “VAR is a symbol of modern, commercialised-to-the-point-of-destruction football.”Thews also believes VAR “ruins the euphoria” of scoring a goal.In England, Premier League chiefs fear they have to go without semi-automated offside technology until next season.Howard Webb had claimed last month that assistant VAR errors were down 80 per cent before Michael Oliver had a high-profile blunder during Manchester United’s clash at West Ham.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn-field referee David Coote had originally waved play on before being called back with Matthijs de Ligt accused of fouling Danny Ings following a coming together in the penalty area.The decision to then award a penalty with the off-field recommendation was maligned at the time before Webb admitted it was “on balance, probably not a penalty”.VAR: Imagine the future…Martin Lipton’s pro VAR viewFAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you. More

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      Fans praise Premier League cult hero Javier Mascherano after he pleads with referee for bizarre rule-change DURING game

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      JAVIER MASCHERANO begged officials to implement an incredible rule change during Argentina Under-20s’ clash with Bolivia.The former Liverpool, West Ham and Barcelona star now coaches the Argentine Under-20s, having hung up his boots in 2020.Javier Mascherano begged for the officials to change their mindCredit: twiiterMascherano, 40, coaches Argentina’s Under-20sCredit: APOver the weekend, his side hosted Bolivia in a friendly match.Argentina took an early lead, before things threatened to get ugly for their visitors.After 13 minutes, Bolivia’s Nathan Tito was red carded for a challenge from behind on Lautaro Millan.As Millan, who plays his club football for Independiente, was treated by medical staff, Tito trudged off the pitch.READ MORE IN SPORTRather than play against 10 men, however, Mascherano was determined for the friendly match to remain 11 vs 11.In incredible footage, the 40-year-old could be seen pleading with the referee and fourth official to allow Bolivia to bring a substitute on for Tito.Amazingly his wish was granted, with the visitors allowed to carry on with a full compliment of players.The unusual incident was later cleared up by the local broadcast.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It has just been agreed between both delegations, at the request of coach Mascherano, that Bolivia introduces another player to ensure the match stays balanced at 11-a-side,” a statement read.As it happened, being allowed to continue with 11 players didn’t do Bolivia much good, as they still went on to lose 4-0.Javier Mascherano breaks down as he says goodbye to Barcelona to join Chinese Super League But fans loved Mascherano’s gesture.One wrote on social media: “Man cares more about coaching his team properly than getting an easy win. Elite mentality.”While a second gushed: “Smart guy, cares more about coaching than winning a friendly.”A third added: “Fair shout in a friendly isn’t it, you want to be tested otherwise there’s no point.”Argentina are currently preparing to compete at the South American U20 Championship in January.Mascherano will be hoping to improve his side’s fortunes in Venezuela, after they failed to make it out of the group stage last time around.Who are these famous footballers? More