Footage of yellow card at centre of David Coote allegations resurfaces as 'FA launch investigation'

Footage of the yellow card at the centre of the investigation into David Coote's messages about booking a Leeds United player has emerged.

Coote has been suspended by both the PGMOL and the UEFA following on two separate videos circulating of him - one being a clip calling Jurgen Klopp a "German c***" and a second where he appeared to snort a white powder in his UEFA-funded hotel at Euro 2024.

But the 42-year-old official has been embroiled in more controversy after discussions with a friend over a 2019 yellow card came to light on a report released by The Sun.

Prior to Leeds' game against West Brom, Coote is alleged to have joked with a friend about the cautioning of Ezgjan Alioski so he could place a bet on it.

The friend wrote: "We still on for what we ­discussed (Alioski). Maybe I could join you if so.”

Coote is then said to have replied: “Haha don’t know what you mean.”

The friend responded: “Haha well I’m off to back it in the morning so don’t let me down.”

A day on from the October clash and Coote wrote, "What a day yesterday. I hope you backed as discussed", to which the pal said he did not place a bet but that his friend did. Coote added, “Haha he will have to share with you then".

David Coote is the subject of an FA investigation. Image: Getty

Leeds won 1-0, with Alioski scoring the only goal of the game to end West Brom's unbeaten start to the season. But the North Macedonia international was also the only play to be booked.

Footage from the game posted on Leeds' YouTube channel showed Alioski's caution in the 19th minute, which came for a clear foul on Darnell Furlong. Alioski dived in down the left and mistimed his challenge, taking out Furlong and receiving a caution after a free-kick was awarded.

There is no suggestion that Coote gained financially the investigation is focused on his his alleged messages. He was quick to deny any claims of corruption or impartiality being breached, releasing a statement which read: "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.”

Meanwhile, the FA said the allegations made are "very serious" and confirmed they are investigating as a "matter of urgency".

The PGMOL also responded, stressing that "the facts need to be established" while stating that they take "a zero-tolerance approach" to any breach of the Integrity Code of Conduct officials signed.

They said: “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.”