Embattled Premier League Referee Faces Multiple Investigations Amid Integrity Concerns
The Football Association (FA) has launched an investigation into claims that Premier League referee David Coote discussed issuing a yellow card with a football fan before officiating a Championship match in October 2019.
The allegations, first reported by The Sun, suggest that Coote, 42, exchanged messages with a Leeds United supporter the day before a game between Leeds and West Bromwich Albion. The referee allegedly spoke about the possibility of booking former Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski. After the booking occurred during the match, Coote is said to have messaged the fan, stating: “I hope you backed as discussed.”
Coote Denies Allegations
In a statement, Coote strongly denied the accusations, labeling them “false and defamatory.” He emphasized that his personal issues, whatever they may have been, had never influenced his decisions on the pitch.
“Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life, they have never affected my decision-making on the field,” Coote said. “I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability.”
FA and PGMOL Take Action
The FA described the allegations as “very serious” and confirmed it was treating the matter with urgency.
Meanwhile, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body responsible for overseeing match referees in England, reiterated its zero-tolerance approach to breaches of its Integrity Code of Conduct.
“The facts need to be established in light of these very serious allegations,” a PGMOL spokesperson said. “David Coote remains suspended and subject to an ongoing disciplinary process. We will be making no further comment at this stage.”
Broader Controversies Surrounding Coote
Coote is also under scrutiny for separate incidents. He is being investigated by the FA and PGMOL after a video emerged of him allegedly making derogatory remarks about Liverpool FC and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp.
Additionally, European football’s governing body, UEFA, has appointed an ethics inspector to examine footage, also published by The Sun, purportedly showing Coote snorting white powder during the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, where he served as a match official.
Club Reactions and Next Steps
Leeds United has acknowledged the allegations but refrained from making detailed comments.
“We respect and have full confidence in the FA, EFL, and PGMOL regulations and processes,” the club said in a statement.
The investigations into Coote’s conduct are ongoing, with the FA, PGMOL, and UEFA all involved in determining the facts surrounding the various allegations. For now, Coote remains suspended, as the integrity of officiating in English football faces unprecedented scrutiny.
Comments are closed.