integrity

He would, as attorney general, almost certainly try to fire many of the agency’s 115,000 employees—career civil servants who pride themselves on integrity and independence—so he can replace them with staunch partisans.

He will also be able to point to his experience, achievements and his willingness to establish the Athletics Integrity Unit - which has a strong reputation for catching dopers - in the competition to replace Bach and become the first Briton to head up the IOC.

“We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical behavior and integrity in our athletic programs.”

Coote's alleged insults about Liverpool and Klopp – who even his biggest admirers would admit was confrontational from his technical area – allow sceptics to challenge that principle of integrity.

The most high-profile challenge to the integrity of an official came from Nottingham Forest after a controversial 2-0 loss at Everton in April, when they felt three penalty decisions went against them.