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Topics: FA
Josh Lawless
Referee David Coote has responded after the FA launched an investigation amid claims he discussed giving a yellow card to a player before a game.
Coote is currently on suspension by the PGMOL after he was filmed filmed calling Jurgen Klopp a "German c***" and labeling the 57-year-old "f***ing arrogant" in an astonishing video which was leaked.
The 42-year-old was then embroiled in further controversy as in another video sent in by a pal, he appeared to snort a white powder with a US bank note in a hotel supplied by UEFA while he worked at Euro 2024 in Germany and was then suspended by the European football governing body.
But Coote is now facing an FA investigation after The Sun reported he had discussions with a friend over booking a player prior to a game in 2019.
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The game in question was a clash in the Championship between Leeds United and West Brom, with messages taking place before and after the fixture.
According to The Sun, Coote exchanged messages with a Leeds fan who he met online and he joked about the official cautioning Ezgjan Alioski so he could place a bet on it.
A day prior to the game in October 2019, Coote told him: "Yeah really good I’ve got Leeds tomorrow.”
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The friend came back and said: “Ooh big game. 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.”
In the game at Elland Road, Alioski scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory but was also the only Leeds player to be yellow carded for a challenge on Darnell Furlong in the 18th.
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A day on, Coote is alleged to have written: “What a day yesterday. I hope you backed as discussed.”
When the friend explains he didn't place a bet but a pal of his "backed it though", Coote is alleged to have stated: “Haha he will have to share with you then.”
Alioski's yellow card was not a controversial one and there is no suggestion that Coote gained financially.
It's said that Coote accepts the exchange happened but that it was "inappropriate banter” and "ill-judged messages". He denies any breach of impartiality while on the pitch.
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In a statement, Coote responded: “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.”
The FA described the allegations as "very serious" and said they were investigating as a "matter of urgency", while the PGMOL also issued a statement on the matter.
PGMOL said: "The facts need to be established in light of these very serious allegations.
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“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.”