The Football Association (FA) has launched an investigation into Premier League referee David Coote following serious allegations that he discussed a yellow card decision with a fan before a Championship match.
Coote, who is 42 years old, has strongly denied the claims, which suggest that he spoke with a Leeds United supporter about booking then-player Ezgjan Alioski during a match between Leeds and West Brom in October 2019.
According to a report from The Sun newspaper, Coote allegedly discussed the possibility of issuing a yellow card to Alioski before the game. After the booking occurred during the match, it is claimed that Coote messaged the fan, saying: “I hope you backed as discussed.”
In response to the allegations, Coote issued a statement denying any wrongdoing. “I strongly refute these false and defamatory allegations,” he said.
“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.”
An FA spokesperson confirmed that the allegations are being treated with urgency. “These are very serious allegations and we are investigating as a matter of urgency,” the spokesman stated.
This new investigation comes after Coote had already been suspended due to other separate allegations. He is currently under review by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and the FA following reports of derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp.
Additionally, Coote is facing an inquiry by UEFA over a video that allegedly shows him using white powder during the 2024 European Championships in Germany, where he was working as a match official.
A PGMOL spokesperson addressed the latest allegations, saying: “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.”
Coote remains suspended while the investigation continues, and PGMOL has pledged to take action if the allegations are proven true.
Leeds United, the club involved in the allegations, has confirmed they are aware of the situation. In a statement, the club expressed their confidence in the FA, the English Football League (EFL), and PGMOL to handle the matter appropriately.
“We respect and have full confidence in the FA, EFL, and PGMOL regulations and processes,” Leeds said. “We will be making no further comment at this time.”
