David Coote, a suspended Premier League referee, is now facing a fresh investigation by the Football Association (FA) after allegations surfaced that he discussed issuing a yellow card with a friend before a Championship match. Coote, 42, has already been suspended after controversial comments he allegedly made about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp earlier this month, which were condemned as derogatory.
The FA’s new investigation follows claims that Coote had a conversation with a friend about giving Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski a yellow card during a Championship game against West Bromwich Albion in October 2019. The yellow card was issued late in the match, and while Coote confirmed the conversation took place, he denies any wrongdoing, including suggestions that he benefited financially from the discussion.
In response to the allegations, Coote stated, “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.”
Coote is also under investigation by both Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and UEFA, following earlier claims, including reports of him allegedly using white powder during the Euros. These issues have put Coote’s future in English football in serious doubt.
