The Football Association has launched an investigation into allegations that Premier League referee David Coote discussed issuing a yellow card with a fan prior to a Championship match in England.
Coote, who denies any wrongdoing, is accused of talking about booking former Leeds United player Ezgjan Alioski with a supporter ahead of a game between Leeds and West Bromwich Albion in October 2019.
Reports claim Coote followed through with the booking during the match and later sent a message to the fan, saying, “I hope you backed as discussed.”
Coote, currently under suspension due to separate conduct allegations, released a statement refuting the claims.
“I strongly refute these false and defamatory allegations. 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 said.
An FA spokesperson acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating, “These are very serious allegations and we are investigating as a matter of urgency.”
Coote is already being scrutinized by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited and the FA after a video surfaced showing him allegedly making offensive remarks about Liverpool and former manager Jürgen Klopp.
Additionally, UEFA has assigned an ethics inspector to investigate footage published by The Sun that reportedly shows Coote snorting a white substance during this year’s Euros in Germany, where he served as a match official.
A PGMOL representative commented on the latest accusation, “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. We will be making no further comment at this stage.”
Leeds United also confirmed awareness of the allegations in a brief statement.
