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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

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      Furious Pep Guardiola confronts referee after Man City draw with Crystal Palace and red card that can’t be overturned

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      FUMING Pep Guardiola confronted the referee on the pitch following Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.The reigning champions lost more ground in the title race as they were held to just a point at Selhurst Park by Oliver Glasner’s side.Rico Lewis was sent off for a second yellow card after this challenge on Trevoh ChalobahCredit: ReutersAn angry Pep Guardiola confronted referee Robert Jones after the gameCredit: PADaniel Munoz had given Palace the lead after just four minutes before Erling Haaland looped a header into the goal on the half hour mark.The second half then saw Maxence Lacroix head home a far post corner before Rico Lewis netted the second equaliser for City.But the England international went from hero to zero as he was sent off by Robert Jones with a second yellow card for a challenge on Trevoh Chalobah even though it appeared he had come off worse.VAR could not overturn the decision – which was the first red card of Lewis’ career – due to it being a second yellow card rather than a straight red.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe only time VAR is permitted to intervene for a second yellow card is when there is a belief the card should be upgraded to a straight red.City stars on the pitch were adamant the decision was an error and confronted Jones both at the time and after the game.However, manager Guardiola also took to the pitch after the game to speak to the ref and assistant refs.He was seen with his hands in his pockets saying something to them before walking away.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSpeaking after the game, the Spaniard said: “So proud of the team. I liked everything of the team, how we fought. We have a lot of problems with our squad.”We fought incredible. We came back twice. It’s a difficult place to come. We struggled in the beginning. We gave everything and we take a point.Pep Guardiola responds to ‘sacked in the morning’ chants at Anfield from Liverpool fans “Long balls, second balls, they’re stronger than us. We started the second half a bit sloppy. After 2-1 we reacted well.”We lost another player defensively for the next game for a second yellow card.”With Liverpool’s clash at Everton postponed due to Storm Darragh, City’s point in London moved them to eight behind the league leaders. More

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      Amazon Prime forced to issue apology to Arne Slot after making claim about Liverpool boss following Newcastle draw

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      AMAZON PRIME have issued an apology to Arne Slot after they wrongly implied he tried to influence a referee.The Liverpool boss spoke to ref Andrew Madley at half-time in the 3-3 draw with Newcastle.Amazon Prime issued an apology to Arne SlotCredit: RexHost Dan Walker mistakenly implied Slot had entered ref Andy Madley’s room at half-timeCredit: AlamyThe Reds were a goal down at the break and had three players booked by Madley.Slot, 46, spoke to the official and Amazon Prime presenter Dan Walker mistakenly implied he had entered the referee’s dressing room, which is forbidden at half-time.But Slot did not in fact enter the referees’ room and he instead spoke to Madley in the tunnel in what was described as a “normal way”, report The Times.Amazon Prime have apologised to Slot and to Liverpool and the matter is considered closed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe broadcaster blamed the error on a production misunderstanding.Managers are allowed to speak to the ref for up to 30 minutes after full-time – in their dressing room.But if they look to go in before then they risk a yellow or red card – it is up to the ref to decide if they are acting in a balanced matter or not.The entertaining game thew up some controversial moments in the latter stages, with Newcastle denied a penalty after Alexander Isak went down in the box under a challenge from Jarrell Quansah.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMadley also blew for full-time as Toon were on the attack, and Liverpool had a penalty appeal waved away after Alexis Mac Allister’s shot struck Sean Longstaff on the arm.Eddie Howe refused to get involved in the matter when asked, stating: “I don’t think I’ll go there. I think that’s a can of worms. I tend to focus on my team.”Football fans say ‘I’m dying of cringe’ as Arsene Wenger DANCES on stage at live Fifa Club World Cup draw More

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      Chelsea fans say ‘how is this allowed?’ as referee for huge Tottenham clash is decided

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      CHELSEA fans were left furious after finding out Anthony Taylor will referee their derby against Tottenham, just two years after officiating a highly controversial clash.The Blues and Spurs will lock horns in the Premier League on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Chelsea fans are furious after finding out Anthony Taylor will be the referee against TottenhamCredit: RexTaylor oversaw a controversial 2-2 draw between Chelsea and Tottenham in 2022Credit: GettyChelsea were angry with Taylor’s officiating against Tottenham two years agoCredit: GettyAnd Taylor, 46, will be in charge after overseeing a dramatic 2-2 draw in August 2022 at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea were left incensed at full-time as they claimed both of the North Londoners’ goals should have been disallowed.Tottenham ace Rodrigo Bentancur appeared to have fouled Kai Havertz in the build-up to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s goal.And Cristian Romero then appeared to pull Marc Cucurella by the hair as they contested a corner-kick moments before Harry Kane scored as a result of that set-piece.Read More on ChelseaThe West Londoners’ manager at the time Thomas Tuchel even suggested Taylor should NEVER officiate another Chelsea game.Nevertheless, the Mancunian ref will referee the London clash once more despite a negative reaction from a section of Blues fans.One fan tweeted: “I sound like a broken record but how is he still allowed to referee our games? Especially what happened couple years ago.”Another commented: “Why does he get all of our big games? It’s every season.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “It was fun while it lasted…”This fan gushed: “FFS!”Cole Palmer scowls at reporter’s question as fans hail Chelsea star’s interviews as ‘one of a kind’ And that one said: “Drama loading.”Taylor is among the Premier League’s most experienced and respected refs having been officiating in the Premier League since 2010. More

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      New ‘Mikel Arteta law’ to be introduced to football after Arsenal manager’s Champions League antics

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      MIKEL ARTETA has helped bring about a change in the laws of football – to stop coaches being sent off for innocent mistakes.Arsenal chief Arteta was booked for grabbing the ball a fraction of a second before it went out of play for a Gunners throw on the touchline during his side’s Champions League defeat at Inter Milan.Mikel Arteta was booked during his side’s Champions League clash with Inter MilanCredit: GettyThe Gunners boss interfered with play at San SiroCredit: TNT SportsUefa confirmed that Arteta should have been dismissed for his action.But Lawmakers on the International FA Board have now agreed to propose that from next season it would just be an indirect free-kick and no disciplinary action against the coach or any substitute who accidentally infringed.Ifab technical director and former Premier League ref David Elleray explained: “It’s currently a direct free-kick, or a penalty if it happens inside the box as was the case in a match in Germany a few years ago, and a red card.“Of course, the coach might still get a yellow card if he comes out of his technical area to do it but if the Laws are applied rigorously we feel they are too draconian.”READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe Law change will be confirmed at The Ifab’s annual general meeting in Belfast in February, along with two other minor alterations.The first will allow Prem refs and officials in other domestic competitions to explain changed VAR decisions over stadium tannoys to give more explanation to fans in the ground over why a call has been overturned.That was trialled at the Women’s World Cup in 2023 and has been used more widely since.Prem clubs will decide if they want to adopt the measure for next season, in addition to the extra information now being displayed on giant screens.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the last change will relate to drop ball situations where play is just outside the penalty box.Currently the ball has to go to the defending team if they have cleared it but from next term that will revert to the attacking side if they would clearly have taken up possession.Mikel Arteta fumes over penalty decisions as Arsenal lose to Inter Milan More

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      ‘I’m surprised’: Ex-Prem ref responds as VAR helps Arsenal again with controversial Saka and Timber calls at West Ham

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      ARSENAL’s victory over West Ham was comprehensive, but it wasn’t without controversy following some questionable VAR calls.The Gunners won 5-2 after an entertaining Premier League encounter against the Hammers on Saturday at the London Stadium.Arsenal picked up a controversial victory over West HamCredit: GettyFormer Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey addressed all the controversyCredit: RexThe London rivals played out a seven-goal thriller in the first half that saw the visitors lead 4-0 by the 36th minute with goals by Gabriel Magalhaes, Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz.However, West Ham got back in the game with two goals within two minutes thanks to Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson Palmieri.But Arsenal knocked the wind out of the East Londoners’ sales in the fifth minute of stoppage time with a controversial penalty that Gabriel earned and Bukayo Saka scored.Former Premier League referee and SunSport columnist Mark Halsey addressed all the controversy on Whistleblower.Read More on ArsenalHalsey started by analysing Arsenal’s final goal that ended West Ham’s hopes of a dramatic comeback.Saka whipped in a corner-kick from the right and Gabriel got the header that sent the ball way over the crossbar.But then referee Anthony Taylor deemed Lukasz Fabianski caught the centre-back in the face in his attempt to punch the ball away.Taylor booked Fabianski in front of a shocked crowd and Saka scored from the penalty spot.Most read in FootballHalsey told SunSport’s Will Pugh: “I think when the cross comes over and the ball comes over like that, you’re going to have contact between players at every occasion. You’re going to have contact. And it’s subjective. “We have seen penalties given in those sort of situations where a keeper has come out. But there’s been a lot more contact than we saw at the weekend.Jorginho tells Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to become England’s fifth-ever Ballon d’Or winner and end 23-year wait “Anthony Taylor’s given it. He’s taken some time to think about it. And he’s given it. And VAR are not going to overrule that, because obviously we’ve heard Howard Webb say that we want to stick with the on-field decision on those situations, on a subjective decision.”So, listen, yeah, I mean, had he not given that as a penalty, that would have stayed not given. It does seem that it did take four or five seconds to give the decision whether he was influenced by Gabriel on the floor, holding his head, his face and players sort of surrounding him. “So, as I said, had it not been given, it would have stayed not given. It would have stayed with the on-field decision.”Arsenal players weren’t really claiming for anything. It all went quiet in the ground. And then all of a sudden, there’s a penalty check for God knows what. And then Arsenal scored.”Halsey, though, was categorically against the way the referee and VAR handled Arsenal’s opener that saw Saka’s corner-kick from the right finding Gabriel who beat Fabianski with a clinical header.Jurrien Timber appeared to have fouled Lucas Paqueta, who covered the near post and could have easily headed the cross away.’I’m surprised’However, Timber seemed to have pushed him from behind and that didn’t allow Paqueta to clear the ball.Halsey added: “Well, again, we’re talking about inconsistency, aren’t we? Regarding decisions when a goal is scored. Was it a foul? Was it not a foul?”So, yeah, listen, for me, I think it’s a clear free-kick. And I’m surprised that VAR didn’t recommend a review.”Halsey also addressed Arsenal’s first penalty that saw Paqueta fouling Saka inside the West Ham area on 34 minutes.It seemed like there was very little contact and the England international didn’t go down immediately.Nevertheless, the decision stood and the North Londoners’ captain Odegaard converted from the spot to make it 3-0.Halsey said: “When he sticks his leg out like that, you run the risk. And I just want to see players, when they are challenged like that, just go down straight away.”Don’t need to take one or two more steps, then go down. Listen, had that not been given, it would have stayed.”Possibly not given. Because as I say, there was just slight, slight contact. But once the referee has given it…READ MORE SUN STORIES”Listen, I think he’s just guessed as in the way he’s gone in and Paqueta’s gone over. And he’s been safe and given a free-kick. “But we can all see that it’s not a free-kick and he has clearly won the ball. But in real time, it possibly looked like it’s a free-kick.” More

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      FA Cup clash DELAYED as referee is substituted after injury… with PA appealing for new official over tannoy

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      AFC WIMBLEDON against Dagenham & Redbridge was halted in bizarre circumstances.The FA Cup second round tie was just 10 minutes old when referee Craig Hicks needed treatment for a leg injury.Referee Craig Hicks receives treatment to a leg injury in a FA Cup second round tieCredit: RexHicks leaves the Cherry Red Records Stadium after he couldn’t continueCredit: RexHe was seen to for two minutes, before it was decided he could not continue.After 14 minutes, he subbed himself off – with a replacement official needed.Incredibly, just moments later, AFC Wimbledon made a PA announcement appealing for a ref.Over the tannoy, it was asked: “Do we have a qualified official in the crowd?”Read more football newsFinally, after 18 minutes, a referee did appear at the Cherry Red Records Stadium and replaced Hicks.The man who took on the role was the original fourth official, Greg Rollason.He was seen heading down from the main stand, to the tunnel area, to talk with the officials about taking over from Hicks.Then, he headed to the centre circle where he was seen limbering up and then blowing the whistle to continue the game.Most read in Football’Referees don’t understand football!’ Ex-Prem ref slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea & Liverpool errorsRollason’s first decision had to made four seconds after the restart, when he awarded a free kick for a push against the home side.Amusingly, the home team’s fans then chanted: “You’re not fit to referee.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe situation was reminiscent of last month’s clash between Charlton and Wrexham.There, referee Sam Purkiss went down twice before finally having to come off the pitch with a knee injury.Football fans’ humour, again, kicked in as he left the pitch.The fans chanted: “You’re not fit to referee.” More