New Delhi: Disgraced football referee David Coote is now being investigated by the English Football Association over allegations that the official had discussed handing over yellow cards before a game. As reported by media outlet the Sun, the allegations are around the exchange of messages before and after the Championship game between Leeds and West Brom in October 2019, which Coote officiated.
During the game, Coote had booked then Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski. There are no suggestions yet that the booking wasn’t for a valid reason. Sun claimed that Coote had discussed booking a player before the game with a fan he had met online and even messaged the day after the game with “I hope you backed as discussed”.
The FA has reacted to the allegations and noted that they are investigating this urgently. Coote has, however, refuted these, calling the claims “false and defamatory.” He has said that his personal life issues never have affected his judgement on the field. Further, Coote has said that he always tried his best efforts to remain impartial during his match duties.
🗣️ David Coote’s official statement after being accused of discussing giving a yellow card with a fan before a Championship match in 2019… pic.twitter.com/edp312sg2Q
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) November 27, 2024
The 42-year-old was initially suspended by PGMOL earlier in the month after a video of him surfaced on X, in which he was seen making derogatory comments about Jurgen Klopp. A second video showed him sniffing white powder right a day before he allegedly officiated the UEFA Euros quarter-finals between Portugal and France in a UEFA-appointed hotel room.
PGMOL reacts to David Coote allegations
Coote had been suspended by UEFA as well and had launched an independent investigation. PGMOL have issued a statement where they have said the allegations are being treated with utmost seriousness as it was the question regarding integrity of the game. They noted that the breaching of the Integrity Code of Conduct, signed by all officials won’t be tolerated.
They have said that the board are conducting an independent investigation of FA and Coote remains suspended. If the English referee is found guilty PGMOL have said they will take the required action.
David Coote was allegedly discussing handing out booking before a 2019 game with a fan he met online and now faces investigation from FA. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
