The Football Association (FA) has launched an investigation into claims that referee David Coote discussed issuing a yellow card with a fan before a Championship match. Coote, 42, has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “false and defamatory.”

The allegations, reported by The Sun newspaper, suggest Coote exchanged messages with a fan about issuing a yellow card to Leeds defender Ezgjan Alioski during a 2019 match between Leeds and West Brom. The booking, made during the game, has not been disputed as incorrect, and there is no indication of financial gain on Coote’s part.

This comes amid separate investigations into Coote’s conduct by the FA, UEFA, and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which has suspended him from officiating duties pending the outcomes.

In a statement, Coote emphasized his commitment to the integrity of the game:

“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, one of the Premier League’s most experienced referees, has been officiating top-flight matches since 2018.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has voiced his frustration at the club’s failure to offer him a new contract, casting doubt on his future at Anfield. The 32-year-old, who has been Liverpool’s standout performer this season with 12 goals in all competitions, is set to become a free agent in the summer.

Speaking after Liverpool’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Southampton on Sunday, where Salah scored twice—including a decisive penalty—he admitted feeling disheartened.

“We are almost in December, and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay at the club,” Salah told reporters. “I’m probably more out than in.”

When asked if the lack of an offer disappointed him, Salah confirmed, “Of course, yeah. I’m not going to retire soon. I’m just focusing on the season, trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well.”

Since joining Liverpool from Roma in 2017, Salah has become a fan favorite, helping the team secure a Premier League title, Champions League trophy, and several domestic and international honors. Despite his current concerns, Salah expressed his deep connection to the club.

“You know I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this,” he said. “I love the fans, and the fans love me. In the end, it is not in my hands or the fans’ hands. Let’s wait and see.”

James Maddison inspired Tottenham Hotspur to a sensational 4-0 victory over Manchester City, ending the hosts’ incredible 52-match unbeaten streak at the Etihad Stadium. This marks City’s first five-game losing run since 2006 and their heaviest home defeat since 2003.

Maddison delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice to put City on the back foot. Pedro Porro added a third with a clinical finish, while Brennan Johnson sealed the emphatic win with a last-minute goal, capping an unforgettable night for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Despite missing key players and coming off a disappointing loss to Ipswich, Tottenham defied expectations with a disciplined and clinical display. Postecoglou’s team, featuring a youthful bench, rose to the occasion and moved up to sixth in the league, just four points behind City.

The result leaves City in second place, vulnerable to an eight-point gap if league leaders Liverpool win at Southampton on Sunday. The loss will heighten pressure on Guardiola, who recently signed a two-year extension, as City looks to regroup after this alarming dip in form.