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      Plymouth 1 Liverpool 0: Prem leaders OUT of FA Cup as rock bottom club cause shock seen for just fourth time in history

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      RYAN HARDIE left Liverpool’s hopes of winning the Quad in tatters by firing home a 53rd-minute penalty as Plymouth fans went berserk at Home Park.The Premier League leaders will rue making TEN changes and loading their bench with inexperienced kids as they deservedly crashed out of the FA Cup against the Championship’s bottom club.Ryan Hardie scored for Plymouth to cause the FA Cup upset of the roundCredit: ReutersHarvey Elliott’s inexplicable hand ball gave Plymouth a helping handCredit: RexHardie made no mistake from 12 yardsCredit: GettyIt was only the fourth time in FA Cup history the top flight leaders have been knocked out by a team outside of the top divisionCredit: ReutersHarvey Elliott, 21, should have known better than to raise both his hands above head as the ball was played into the box and took a flick off Plymouth midfielder Darko Gyabi’s head.It struck one of his hands and ref Sam Barrott pointed to the spot.Hardie banished the ghost of four years ago when he missed a penalty that would have seen Argyle take Chelsea to penalties at Stamford Bridge four years ago by sending Caoimhin Kelleher the wrong way.Arne Slot has had to manage the squad this week with three games in the space of six days so rung the changes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnly keeper Kelleher kept his place from the Liverpool team that thumped Tottenham 4-0 on Thursday.Seventeeen-year-old Treymaurice Nyoni made only the second start of his senior career while James McConnell, 20, also was in the XI for the second time, having played against PSV Eindhoven in the Champoions League.Harvey Elliott, 21, joked before kick-off that he even felt old with four teenagers on the bench — including 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha.There was almost a carnival atmosphere inside Home Park.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSArgyle, while a League Two club, famously held Liverpool to a goalless draw in 2007Ryan Hardie had an early chance to get the hosts off to flyer after being put in by Callum Wright but his effort was charged down.Pep Guardiola preview Man City’s tasty clash against Leyton OrientThen Hardie had the beating of Joe Gomez, who was struggling early on the right flank, but Kelleher quickly smothered his cross ahead of Wright who was ready to pounce.Liverpool were dealt an early blow when captain for the day, Gomez, who has recently recovered from a hamstring injury, hobbled off and was replaced by 20-year-old Isaac Mabaya.Dioga Jota took over the captain’s armband.Plymouth’s Nikola Katic had blood pouring out of his mouth and needed treatment after colliding with a team-mate.Tymoteusz Puchacz celebrated as though he had score after a crunching tackle took the ball off Luis Diaz as the Liverpool ace was about to strike.The Merseysiders were struggling to get into their stride early on as they moved the ball too slowly against an organised Argyle shape.Liverpool knocked on the door constantly in the dying stages to avoid defeatCredit: ReutersMustapha Bundu tried to weave through the Liverpool defence but Kostas Tsimikas managed to stop him in his tracks as he was set to shoot 12 yards out.It was not until the 35th minute that a keeper had to make a save.Argyle’s Conor Hazard had to be alert to get down low to push away a 20-yard McConnell effort that took a deflection off Darko Gyabi,Gyabi missed a glorious chance to fire Plymouth in front when he got on the end of a Nikola Katic flicked effort — but blazed over from 16 yards. He should have been at least hitting the target with no real pressure on him.Slot kept things as they were for the second half and Argyle again almost snatched the lead.Wright charged forward and his angled effort from the left edge of the box was deflected wide by Mabaya.Elliott, though, handed Plymouth a gift when he incredibly held both arms above his head as a x cross came in. The ball struck him and ref Sam Barrott pointed to the spot.Hardie stepped up to send Kelleher the wrong way by shooting into the bottom left corner.Incredibly, it should have been 2-0 when Nikola Katic flicked the ball on and Hardie struck the right post.Slot promptly brought on Nunez for Mabaya as Plymouth fans cheekily chanted “You’re going to be sacked in the morning” towards Liverpool’s Dutch boss.Defender Julio Pleguezuelo, who had ran himself in to the ground, was replaced by Victor Palsson, 33, who started his career at Liverpool without making a first-team appearance.The visitors started to ramp up the pressure.But Matt Sorinola brilliantly took the ball off Nunez’s feet as he looked to pull the trigger after he was played in. Darwin also hammered an effort wide.Slot decided not to throw on Curtis Jones and instead opted to bring on Doherty for NyoniIncredibly, McConnell missed a wonderful chance to earn Liverpool a lifeline.After Hazard off his line flapping at a long ball in, it fell to McConnell who volleyed wide of the open goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd McConnell was unlucky as he saw a late thumping effort kept out by Hazard.When the final whistle blew, it confirmed only the fourth-ever occasion when the Premier League leaders have been knocked out by a side outside of the top flight, with the last coming in 2018. 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      Harry Maguire’s Man Utd winner vs Leicester should have been RULED OUT but allowed to stand thanks to FA Cup rule quirk

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’s winning FA Cup goal against Leicester should NOT have stood.But Harry Maguire’s header in injury time to make it 2-1 was allowed to stand thanks to a rule quirk in the FA Cup.Harry Maguire was in a clear offside positionHe went on to head the ball into the back of the netCredit: AlamyThe United defender was well offside as Bruno Fernandes crossed the ball in to set up the winner.But the linesman missed it, despite ITV commentator Lee Dixon describing it as “miles offside”.Normally, VAR would chalk it off, however the use of video technology is not being used in this round of the FA Cup.It was decided by the FA that VAR would only come into use from the fifth round onwards.Read More on Man UtdPreviously, VAR was used in the FA Cup in the third and fourth rounds, but only at Premier League stadiums “due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”The FA said in a statement: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards.”It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.”VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”Leicester boss and United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy was furious with the decision after full-time.Roy Keane launches incredible blast at ‘shocking and boring’ Man Utd after woeful first half vs LeicesterLeicester manager Van Nistelrooy, speaking to ITV, said: “We are not defeated in Fergie time, we are defeated in offside time.”This wasn’t necessary. VAR you have in a couple centimetres, a couple of inches, this was half a metre, clear in line. That was a hard one to take because the team deserves to draw in the end. Then extra time, stay in the game you, never know what happens.”We deserved to go into extra time, go for the battle in extra time and maybe penalties.”Decisions like these in our level are hard to swallow.”Another United great in Roy Keane didn’t hold back as he stated: “The linesman has to see it [Maguire being offside]. United got out of jail tonight. The performance itself was nowhere near good enough.”Ian Wright, appearing on ITV, said: “It’s a really poor decision for him. “That [decision] will impact [van Nistelrooy] and his managerial career!””That could have been a really good confidence booster for them.”Keane followed up: “Sometimes they criticise the big clubs getting the decisions and that’s a great example of it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESLeicester opened the scoring just three minutes before half-time with Bobby De Cordova-Reid threatening United with yet another upset loss.However, the Red Devils equalised with substitute Joshua Zirkzee on 68 minutes before Maguire’s controversial winner in the third minute of stoppage time.Ruud van Nistelrooy was raging with the decisionMaguire didn’t hold back during the celebrationsCredit: Getty More

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      Leading Everton to FA Cup glory would put David Moyes ‘right up there’ with Howard Kendall as a Goodison great

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      AN FA CUP Wembley triumph would put David Moyes “right up there” with Everton’s greatest managers, says Tony Cottee.The Scot returned to Goodison Park last month, 12 years after leaving to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.David Moyes would love to deliver FA Cup glory to the EvertoniansCredit: AlamyA Wembley triumph would make him one of the all-time greats like Howard Kendall (left)Credit: PA:Press AssociationHe is already making his mark and takes the Toffees into potentially Goodison’s last-ever cup encounter in fine form.Moyes, who lost the 2009 final to Chelsea during his first Everton stint, is looking for a fourth-straight win when they take on Bournemouth at Goodipn in the fourth round on Saturday.Speaking exclusively to BetSelect on behalf of The Sun, Cottee, who lost the 1989 FA Cup final to Liverpool with Everton, said: “One thing that you can say about David Moyes is that he gets it, he understands it.“As an Evertonian, he will know that the club hasn’t won anything for 30 years.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“If you can win something and be that first person for 30, 31 years, whatever it might be, you’re then right up there with Howard Kendall and Harry Catterick and all the top managers that have won things at the club.”Cottee, a huge West Ham icon who watched Moyes deliver the Europa Conference League trophy to the Hammers two years ago, continued: “Yeah, I think it will put him right up there.“He did a similar thing at West Ham. If you can win trophies, that’s what the fans want.“You just have to take the moments and enjoy them. As has been proven as an Evertonian, there would have been a lot of fans that were there in 1995 when they won the FA Cup.Most read in FA CupBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives“Sometimes you can go 30 years without winning their trophy. But if Moyes can win the cup for the fans, it’ll be amazing.“I think he’s already considered an Everton legend with what he did first time around. The second time around, not as easy. Howard Kendall found that out as well.“But I think FA Cup glory would be fantastic for the fans.”Despite the prospect of relegation in their final season at Goodison being a very real prospect a month ago, Moyes has managed to steer them nine points clear of the drop zone.Cottee believes he has a strong enough squad to continue that fight for survival and enjoy an FA Cup run.Moyes suffered defeat in the 2009 FA Cup Final with the ToffeesCredit: EPAAnd he called on the Everton players to go out and give the fans and Goodison a fitting cup send-off.Cottee added: “There have been so many great FA Cup games over the years. There’s so much history in Goodison Park.“I think it’s really important that they go out as if it is going to be this is the last FA Cup game, and try and win it for the fans.“Once you get to the fifth round or the sixth round, you really start thinking that it could be your year.“They got to the final with Moyes in 2009 but that’s 16 years ago now. Everton’s cup performances haven’t been good.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Then you got the argument that if you’re playing the FA Cup, you’ll end up in relegation trouble because you got lots of games.“But I think Everton have got enough players to manage the squad and have a real go at it.”Tony Cottee was an FA Cup runner-up with the ToffeesCredit: Getty More

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      Winning FA Cup with Bournemouth would be up there with lifting World Cup, says Cherries hero Lewis Cook

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      LEWIS COOK says lifting the FA Cup for Bournemouth would be up there with captaining England to World Cup glory.The star, 28, has excelled for the Cherries while wearing the armband in the absence of club captain Adam Smith.Lewis Cook is desperate to help Bournemouth achieve FA Cup gloryCredit: GettyThe star lifted the U20 World Cup with England as captain in 2017Credit: EPAAnd despite the controversial 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool, Andoni Iraola’s injury-hit squad are firmly in the hunt for a top seven Premier League finish.Now Cook, who has shone as makeshift right-back, and his team-mates want to take the South Coast side to a first Wembley cup triumph.Bournemouth have never gone past the last-eight and ahead of their trip to Everton, he told Sun Sport: “We want to win something new for the club and the players.“We will give 100 per cent no matter who we play against. We aim to progress.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“First and foremost we should expect to go on a run ourselves. I feel like we’ve got a great young team and we’re just trying to pick up experiences.“So I think any game, in any competition, you’ve got to make sure we fight, fight hard and believe in ourselves to progress.“And, you never know, try and win something.”It was in 2017 when Cook skippered the Young Lions to U20 World Cup glory, a moment he says will live with him forever.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOn whether lifting the FA Cup in May would be up there with the World Cup, he said:  “Well, yeah, that would be amazing.“Obviously with Adam [Smith] being the full time captain, I think it’d be nice to see him lift it. You know, coming back from injury and doing that would be great.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese model“Whoever’s doing it, it would be amazing. But we’ve got to win a few games first of all.“People know the history of the FA Cup. I think it’s massive for us as players.“I think when you look back in your career and you see what stuff you’ve won, it’s always nice. So yeah, you never know. We’ll keep working hard and try and progress.”Bournemouth must overcome a tricky task to advance into the fifth round draw with the trip to Everton.But after previously struggling on Merseyside, the Cherries came from 2-0 at Goodison to win 3-2 in a Prem game Cook scored in back in August.The midfielder knows this will be a totally different challenge against the resurgent Blues under David Moyes and the added ingredient of it potentially being the last FA Cup game at Goodison.Cook added: “We always find it hard there. I think they’re a team that causes quite a few problems.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They’re a well drilled team and they’ve always got fight and grit. So that’s something we’re going to have to match and try to beat.“So we know what to expect and we’ve got to go there and deliver.”Cook scored in Bournemouth’s comeback win at Everton in AugustCredit: GettyCan you name the famous fathers? More

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      England’s St George’s Park training HQ to get multi-million pound refurbishment with brand new features

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      ENGLAND’S new era under Thomas Tuchel will come alongside a major revamp at the St George’s Park training centre.The FA have announced plans for the training facilities to undergo a “radical refurbishment” over the next three years.Thomas Tuchel will have a state-of-the-art training ground to use in the near futureCredit: GettyThe FA have announced plans for a ‘radical refurbishment’ of St George’s ParkCredit: thefa.comThe project, dubbed ‘SGP 2.0′, will completely reimagine the Staffordshire training ground which is home to the men’s, women’s and para teams.St George’s Park only opened in 2012, but is already being overhauled thanks to the need for high quality facilities across all teams.The project is set to get underway early this year with the aim of being completed in time for the Euros in 2028.The FA are hoping that the new look will give England the edge when they use St George’s Park as their basecamp for the 2028 tournament being held across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe changes will include three key areas of improvement according to a statement released by the FA.Firstly is “competitive advantage”, which will see all pitch surfaces upgraded, pitch-side hub buildings added with new screens and improvements to the performance and recovery facilities.Secondly is “player and coach expectations”, a project that aims to modernise the hotel bedrooms in the 228-room on-site Hilton hotel.As well as adding permanent downtime activities, upgraded spaces around the building and “new features to maximise SGP’s accessibility for elite talent”.Most read in FootballAll outdoor pitches are in line to be upgraded in the refurbCredit: thefa.comArtist’s impressions show what some of the communal areas could look likeCredit: thefa.comCoaching staff will have access to brand new training and meeting roomsCredit: thefa.comThe FA plan to have the refurbished facilities ready in time for the Euro 2028 in England, Wales, Scotland and IrelandCredit: PAThe Lionesses will still be able to use the facilities for their preparations for Euro 2025 this summerCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe final area for improvement is “football innovation”.That project will aim to add “inspirational” new meeting rooms and bespoke areas and technology for performance innovation by the coaching staff at the FA.England manager Thomas Tuchel reacts to Three Lions’ World Cup 2026 qualifying drawThe ambitious plans come alongside the incredible facilities already in place at St George’s Park.The home of England, which cost £105m to build in 2012, already has 13 outdoor pitches, a replica of the Wembley surface, a full size indoor 3G pitch, a huge gym, swimming pools and a futsal arena.That is alongside a state of the art 30m outdoor training and fitness hill positioned at a 20 degree angle for fitness and conditioning.Goalkeepers also have access to the Peter Shilton Goalkeeping area, a dedicated practice and training area for shot-stoppers.John McDermott, the FA men’s technical director, said: “With the honour of hosting a home Euros on the horizon alongside other exciting pathway activities, SGP 2.0 will level up our capacity to deliver an elite experience for players and to give ourselves every possible chance for success.”Development of the site over the next three years helps us to build towards performing at our best in every aspect.”For our players to train, perform and recover in a second-to-none environment and for us to build a legacy of coaching excellence supported by the very latest in technology and innovation.”The plans are not thought to be likely to hinder the preparation for any of England’s teams during the refurbishment.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe FA confirmed that St Georges’s Park will still host the squads for the build up to this summer’s Women’s Euros and qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup – when Tuchel’s contract is due to expire.St George’s Park was built for £105m in 2012Credit: GettyThe training ground has 13 outdoor pitchesCredit: GettyThe refurbishment is set to take three yearsCredit: PA:Press AssociationSGP already has full size Indoor 3G pitchCredit: PA:Press AssociationIt also has a futsal arenaCredit: GettyThe FA plan to improve the recovery and performance facilitiesCredit: The FA – Getty ImagesThere is an on-site Hitlon hotel at the training groundCredit: GettyThe rooms will be part of the refurbCredit: PA:Press AssociationOne pitch is a replica of the Wembley surfaceCredit: Getty More

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      When is the FA Cup fifth round draw? Live stream, TV channel and start time

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      IT’S FA Cup fourth round weekend! Which also means the draw for the fifth round of the Cup will take place after the fixtures are done.Ruud van Nistelrooy returns to Manchester United on Friday nightCredit: RexOn Friday night, Manchester United kick off the action against Leicester City as Ruud van Nistelrooy returns to his old stomping ground.There will be 10 fixtures taking place on Saturday – including the likes of Leyton Orient vs Manchester City – and a further three on Sunday afternoon.Doncaster Rovers host Crystal Palace on Monday, February 10 and Nottingham Forest then travel to Exeter City on Tuesday, February 11.Before those two matches are over, the teams will already know exactly who they will be facing in the next round.When is the FA Cup fifth round draw?The draw is set to take place on Monday, February 10.It will be broadcast live on BBC One and live streamed on iPlayer.It will be conducted at 7.10pm GMT during The One Show.SunSport will also live blog the draw with all the build-up and reaction.When are FA Cup fifth round fixtures?Fixtures are set for the weekend of March 1 & 2.However, like with this weekend, fixtures are expected to be placed in various time slots from Friday to Monday.Both BBC and ITV have broadcasting rights to the competition.What teams are in the hat for the FA Cup fifth round?At the time of writing, no FA Cup fourth round fixtures have been played. The fixture list is below – this will be updated over the course of the weekend.Most read in FA CupFriday, February 7Manchester United vs Leicester City – 8pm – ITV1 / ITVXSaturday, February 8Leyton Orient vs Man City – 12.15pm – BBC1 / iPlayerLeeds United vs Millwall – 12.15pm – not televisedCoventry City vs Ipswich Town – 3pm – not televisedPreston North End vs Wycombe Wanderers – 3pm – not televisedStoke City vs Cardiff City – 3pm – not televisedSouthampton vs Burnley – 3pm – not televisedEverton vs Bournemouth – 3pm – not televisedWigan Athletic vs Fulham – 3pm – not televisedBirmingham City vs Newcastle United – 5.45pm – BBC1 / iPlayerBrighton & Hove Albion vs Chelsea – 8pm – ITV4 / ITVXSunday, February 9Blackburn Rovers vs Wolverhampton Wanderers – 12.30pm – BBC Red Button / iPlayerPlymouth Argyle vs Liverpool – 3pm – ITV1 / ITVXAston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur – 5.35pm – BBC1 / iPlayerMonday, February 10Doncaster Rovers vs Crystal Palace – 7.45pm – BBC Red Button / iPlayerREAD MORE SUN STORIESTuesday, February 11Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest – 8pm – ITV1 / ITVX More

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      Myles Lewis-Skelly ban OVERTURNED as FA release statement on Arsenal star’s red card

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY’s controversial red card was ‘wrongful’ and his automatic ban has been overturned, the FA have announced.The Arsenal teenager was sent off in the 43rd minute of his side’s weekend clash with Wolves for a challenge on Matt Doherty.Myles Lewis-Skelly’s ban has been overturnedCredit: AFPLewis-Skelly tripped the defender as Wolves began to break away on the counter attack following a Gunners corner.He was immediately dismissed by referee Michael Oliver – much to the anger of Mikel Arteta and his fuming players.Arsenal launched an appeal and the FA have now confirmed Lewis-Skelly’s suspension has been lifted. It read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.READ MORE IN football “The Arsenal player was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, January 25, 2025.” The Professional Game Match Officials Limited took the same approach they gave to Bruno Fernandes – who was “wrongfully” sent off against Tottenham in September.Arsenal legend Ian Wright berated the state of Premier League officiating after the controversial red card incident.He said: “It’s a joke. Anyone who has ever played the game, and I’m not even talking Premier League, 5-a-side, Sunday League, they know it’s never a red.Most read in FootballMark Halsey’s view By Mark HalseyMichael Oliver should not be given any Arsenal games by his refereeing bosses.The PGMOL will keep him away from Arsenal for a while, which is the right thing to do.When there is friction between a ref and a club that is the right thing to do, why create a problem for yourself.Taking him away from Arsenal is not derogatory towards Michael and his ability. It is common sense.You cannot question the integrity of a referee. The referee goes out and referees what is in front of him.There are millions of people watching him, he has an evaluation on his game too. You don’t prejudge anything.”Yellow card and nobody says a word. Time and time again this level of refereeing the decisions in the Premier League, the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies. All of them are the centre of attention for me.”We can’t criticise too hard because otherwise where are the referees going to come from. Where are we going to get them?Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants FA to overturn controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red card “But I’m sorry. This is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees.”When will the Premier League bring the best referees into the so called best league in the world. At the moment with this level of refereeing we’re nowhere near it.”Alan Shearer branded it “one of the worst decisions that I’ve seen in a long time.”Ref Oliver was subject to sick abuse including death threats following the contentious red card – leading to a police probe. Police have even been guarding the official’s family home since the incident.And the PGMOL released a statement on Sunday condemning the abuse directed at Oliver after the match.It read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced.”We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We will continue to support all investigations.”Lewis-Skelly, 18, is now available for Arsenal’s next match against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday.Lewis-Skelly poses during Arsenal trainingCredit: Reuters More

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      From snorting coke to moaning he was ‘too big’ to ref Coventry, nine moments in David Coote’s downfall

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      TWO days after his Klopp comments went viral, The Sun revealed on November 13 Coote snorted cocaine in a video taken on July 6 while he was officiating at the Euros.COOTE: “The drugs happened on an entirely ad-hoc basis. It fills me with a huge sense of shame to sit here and to say that I took that route.”The nine moments in Premier League referee David Coote’s downfallCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd1.The Sun revealed that Coote snorted cocaine in a video taken while he was officiating at the Euros2.Coote said in video chats table toppers Liverpool ‘will not win the Premier League’Credit: GettyCOOTE said in video chats table toppers Liverpool “will not win the Premier League”.COOTE: “I guess I’m a human being who made a mistake in a moment I now deeply regret.”3.He branded the Reds defender Andy Robertson a ‘Scottish p****’Credit: GettyTHE ref branded the Reds defender Andy Robertson a “Scottish p****.”COOTE: “I certainly don’t think that. Everybody who takes to the football field is full of emotion. When we’re involved in the game, things will be said that people don’t mean. Read More on Sport”I’m pretty sure there’s been plenty of players or managers that have said things about me they wouldn’t sit here and say they believe. The same is true of us as match officials.”4.Coote said Everton’s Goodison Park was the worst place to referee, due to the fans ‘shouting abuse so close to the pitch’Credit: GettyHE said Everton’s Goodison Park was the worst place to referee, due to the fans “shouting abuse so close to the pitch”.COOTE: “It’s certainly not the worst place to officiate. Each ground, depending on how the result goes, can be just as difficult as any other. “So there’s no particular ground that’s more difficult than the other because it’s all really circumstance dependent.”Most read in Football5.The ref said he hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it is ‘too far away’Credit: GettyCOOTE said he hates officiating at Bournemouth games because it is “too far away”.COOTE: “We’re asked to go north, south, east and west, and all over Europe. Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder”There’s teams of officials that have been as far as Kazakhstan to do games. I was sent to Indonesia, so distance travel is never an issue.”6.He moaned he was ‘too big’ to have to ref at Coventry’s ground for their Championship clash against Oxford UtdCredit: GettyTHE ref moaned he was “too big” to have to ref at Coventry’s ground for their Championship clash against Oxford Utd on August 16.COOTE: “The Championship is a fantastic league and my experience of Coventry and all of the other games in the league have been really good ones — some of the most exciting football you’ll get to see.”7.The ref arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester CityCredit: ReutersCOOTE arranged a drugs party during Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester City on October 30. During the interval he messaged his pal to say: “Hope you’re getting ready for me.”COOTE: “It never happened. These kinds of messages were among the behaviours I engaged with in order to escape.“It was almost like a different me and it’s something I really regret doing.“Clearly now I regret entering into those conversations.“I’ve paid the price for having them and that’s been a heavy one from a career and emotional perspective.”8.Coote giving a yellow card to Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski before a 2019 match against West BromCredit: YouTubeAT the centre of an FA betting probe after he discussed giving a yellow card to Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski before a 2019 match against West Brom. He messaged a pal: “I hope you backed as discussed.”COOTE: “I can categorically say that I’ve only ever done my best when I’ve gone onto the field of play.”9. Coote was sacked by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL)Credit: PASACKED by the PGMOL.COOTE: “I have nearly 30 years experience of refereeing and I understood the implications of the situation I found myself in and the position the PGMOL were in.”The Sun’s back page reported on Coote’s X-rated Klopp rantIT’S VERY BRAVE MOVEBy AMAL FASHANU, Niece of Justin who runs foundation in his name“IT is very brave for anyone to come out, but more so for someone in the public eye.“This will affect David Coote and is a big step but it should have less of an effect that in would on a player. It’s not the same level of fame.”Amal Fashanu, niece of JustinCredit: Darren FletcherNorwich striker Justin killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come outCredit: Getty – ContributorAmal, whose former Norwich striker uncle killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come out, added: “We’d love to chat to him at the foundation.“We’d be there to offer any support and counselling.“We also help people with mental health problems and would be there for him if that was an issue.“There’s still something very wrong at the top of football.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re in 2025, when everyone is supposedly liberal and accepting, yet something is stopping these men accepting who they are.“Football is still failing in this regard.” More