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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

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      Brighton 1 Southampton 1: Fuming Martin has to be held back from Hurzeler after controversial VAR call denies him win

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      RUSSELL MARTIN was left seething after Southampton were denied only a second win of the season as VAR caused chaos once again. Saints were in dreamland when Cameron Archer looked as though he had slotted home a 67th-minute winner to finally provide the club with a glimmer of hope. Cameron Archer’s goal was ruled outCredit: GettyArcher at the back post was judged to be onside yet Adam Armstrong in the middle was offsideArmstrong threw a trailing leg at the ball as it went behind him and was deemed to be interferingRussell Martin’s temper flared and he had to be held back from Fabian HurzelerCredit: PATheir argument continued onto the pitchAnd the bosses eventually had to be separatedIt came after Flynn Downes had cancelled out Kaoru Mitoma’s opener for the high-flying Seagulls who had the prospect of soaring into the heady heights of second-place in the table with a draw or a win. But you can always rely on VAR to inflict more misery on a Southampton side who look all but down before the advent calendars have been opened. A lengthy check by VAR ref Jarred Gillett which involved lots of zooming in and out and lines resulted in the goal being chalked off for offside, leaving Martin and co gobsmacked. It was ruled out not because Archer was offside but because Adam Armstrong was offside and deemed to be interfering with play as the cross came in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe cameras panned to Martin who was effing and blinding on the touchline with Saints rock bottom of the table. He continued his fury after the full-time whistle when he had angry words with Brighton gaffer Fabian Hurzeler. Injured keeper Aaron Ramsdale hit out at the decision on Twitter, writing: “You can not be serious.”After the game, Martin raged that he had sympathy for on-field officials but “struggled to accept” errors from those in Stockley Park.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHurzeler added: “I think it’s about respect. You should ask him [Martin] about it.”It’s worth remembering his Southampton strugglers would stay at the foot of the table no matter what happened at the Amex last night. It was a huge let off for Brighton who are now sitting pretty in second, bang on level with Manchester City on goal difference. Brighton’s model as a football club has always been revolutionary and refreshing in equal measure, but last night begs the question of whether they have got the minerals to become real little contenders?’Referees don’t understand football!’ Ex-Prem ref slams PGMOL for serious Chelsea & Liverpool errorsStats driven recruitment is the beating heart of their success while their young and ambitious manager, Fabian Hurzeler has produced an exceptional start to the season, but consistency will be key. With 23 points from their first 13 games, this remains Brighton’s best start to a top-flight season.And since the beginning of October, only leaders Liverpool have won more points.As expected, the hosts burst out the traps, with Georginio Rutter teeing up Mitoma, who would have lashed in the opener had it not been for Joe Lumley’s finger tips. Rutter was back for more with his twinkle toes twisting inside and out of three pink shirts before he flicked a shot just wide. It was no surprise that the French 22-year-old produced Brighton’s best chance as he cut inside and drilled a shot off the far post. Brighton were building and got their deserved opener on 28 minutes as Tariq Lamptey pulled away from Taylor Harwood-Bellis to tee up Mitoma who headed home. It was dreadful defending though as Saints allowed the ball to bounce around the penalty spot while the defenders shirked their duties once again. The cameras panned to a dejected Martin who was shaking his head as the goal replayed on his ipad. He should have played Candy Crush on his ipad instead of looking at his side’s abysmal defending. Meanwhile Mitoma, another hidden gem unearthed by Tony Bloom, is now one goal short of Shinji Okazaki’s 14-goal record as the top Japanese scorer in the top-flight. Chants of “You’re going down with the Palace” rang out from the boisterous North Stand, but it only riled up Martin and co. The Saints boss shouted “f***ing come on” just after a huge chance for Archer who latched onto an inch-perfect Yukinari Sugawara cross before shinning it over from eight-yards. Brighton looked as though they were bossing it again after the break as Lamptey and Welbeck linking up before Matt O’Reily fired in a cross, but Mitoma was unable to make the crucial touch. The hosts were stunned though when out of absolutely nothing Downes hammered the ball home on 58 minutes. The leveller was fired in on the edge of the box after the ball ricocheted out to the Saints midfielder after Armstrong and Ryan Manning both had shots blocked. READ MORE SUN STORIESSouthampton couldn’t believe it when Ryan Fraser’s cross found Archer six-yards out and he slotted into the bottom corner, sparking mayhem in the away end on 67 minutes before the VAR misery. Brighton hit back strongly with Rutter nearly making it 2-1 with an outrageous bicycle kick from Welbeck’s cross but they couldn’t find a second.Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring for BrightonCredit: RexFlynn Downes equalised with a thumping finishCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd star Andre Onana avoided red card due to little-known rule as Bodo/Glimt star reveals referee’s explanation

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      ANDRE ONANA avoided a red card against Bodo/Glimt due to a little-known rule.The Cameroonian, 28, was in action as Manchester United came from behind to beat their Norwegian opponents 3-2 in the Europa League.Andre Onana appeared to handle outside the boxCredit: TNT SportsOnana helped his side to a comeback winCredit: GettyLawrence Visser elected not to punish Andre OnanaCredit: RexWith 15 minutes remaining, Onana was involved in a highly contentious moment.As Bodo/Glimt broke forward, the United stopper raced out of his goal.Onana challenged Jens Petter Hauge, with the ball clearly striking his arm and stopping Bodo/Glimt’s attack.Referee Lawrence Visser immediately waved away the visitors’ claims.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe decision was then cleared by VAR as the game continued.After his side’s defeat, Bodo/Glimt’s skipper Patrick Berg revealed Visser’s on-field explanation for the decision.He told Norwegian broadcaster NRK: “I feel Jens tries to drag the ball past Onana and then it hits his hand.”He [Visser] explains that there is a rule that states that the ball can hit the hand if it is on the ground as a support, then it does not matter.”Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd ratings vs Bodo/GlimtWhile the decision not to send Onana off was correct by the letter of the law, it still left some opposition players with a sour taste.Hakon Evjen added: “It looked like he takes it with his hand now and then, whether there is support or not.Ruben Amorim touched by Old Trafford welcome in win over Bodo/Glimt “It is an open target for Jens at 20 metres, so it is at least debatable.”Man Utd had taken the lead after just 48 seconds via Alejandro Garnacho.But Bodo/Glimt stunned the Old Trafford crowd by turning the game on its head courtesy of strikes by Evjen And Philip Zinckernagel.Rasmus Hojlund levelled on the stroke of half-time, before grabbing what turned out to be the winner on 50 minutes.After the game, Onana caught up with a high-profile compatriot.The goalkeeper beamed as he posed for a snap with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.Onana beams as he poses with Francis NgannouCredit: GettyPatrick Berg revealed the referee’s decision making processCredit: Getty More

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      Roy Keane was one of the most difficult players I ever refereed – he was in my face before I got the yellow card out

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      ROY KEANE has mellowed out in retirement and is a far cry from the heavy-hitting midfielder who frequently had run-ins with the referee.Former Premier League official Kevin Lynch has recalled how he and Keane didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye.Former Premier League referee Kevin Lynch has recalled his relationship with Roy KeaneCredit: AlamyKeane was no stranger to confrontations with the referee during his careerCredit: ReutersHe has since mellowed out as a punditCredit: GettySpeaking on the Under the Cosh podcast, he said: “Two of the most difficult players I ever refereed were Roy Keane and Ian Wright.”I just don’t think Roy liked referees, and in fairness we didn’t f***ing like Roy Keane so it was a fairly balanced equation.”I remember refereeing him one night at Old Trafford, and he were obviously out of sorts with himself, the opposition, his own team-mates and me.”And he’s kicking anything that moves and he’s giving me earache.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I tried talking to him, that were like trying to plait fog. “So I thought, ‘Right, Roy. Next one’s mine’.”Lynch was able to recount one particular situation in the game against Stoke.He explained how Keane had “chipped this little fella into Row Z of the Stretford End” with a crunching tackle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut before he was even able to issue a caution, Keane was back in his face complaining.He said: “Before I can get the yellow card out, Keane’s up [and] is suddenly in my face. And he looked at me and says, ‘Do you know who I f*****g well am?'”Roy Keane reveals brutal two-word put down to rude selfie-hunter as Man Utd legend discusses fame with Ricky Gervais Lynch added that during the protest team-mate Gary Neville walked past, prompting a hilarious response from the United legend.He continued: “And as he said that, Gary Neville were walking past.”And I said, ‘Gary, there’s a player here who don’t know who he is!’ “And Gary says, ‘It’s Roy Keane, book the t**t.'”Keane, a seven-time Premier League champion, holds the joint-record for the most red cards in English football with 13, 11 of which came with Man Utd.However, the seven he got for the Red Devils in the Prem places him second behind Patrick Vieira and Richard Dunne.Roy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry. More

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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***”. More