Being sacked but having to use that ex-employer as a reference

My ex-employer sacked me for what they claim was "gross misconduct" but I need to use them as a reference when trying to get another job. The Catch-22 is that given they mention the GM on their reference, I can't get a job, so I need to get another reference to use instead, but I can't get that because I need a job. I need a job to get a reference, but I can't get a job because of their reference.

I was told not to include my sacking on my applications but obviously they'll find out eventually. Should I mention it an explain on the application?

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