Suspended Referee David Coote Faces New Scandal as FA Investigates Alleged Pre-Match Booking Discussion

The Football Association (FA) has launched an investigation into allegations that Premier League referee David Coote discussed issuing a yellow card to a player before officiating a match.

The claims, reported by The Sun, focus on an October 2019 Championship game between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion. Allegedly, Coote exchanged text messages with a friend, suggesting Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski would be booked during the match at Elland Road.

During the game, Alioski received a yellow card in the 18th minute for a challenge on West Brom’s Darnell Furlong. Following the match, Coote reportedly messaged the friend, saying, “What a day yesterday. I hope you backed as discussed.”

The FA confirmed its investigation, calling the allegations “very serious” and pledging to address the matter urgently.

Coote, however, denies any misconduct and maintains the booking was the correct decision based on the foul. He claims the conversation with his friend was merely “banter” and insists no financial gain or wrongdoing occurred.

The reported messages detail the friend jokingly urging Coote to book Alioski so they could bet on the outcome. Coote responded ambiguously, fueling speculation.

Coote has recently been embroiled in other controversies, including a leaked explicit rant about ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and a viral video showing him using a white powder during Euro 2024.

In a statement, Coote defended his professionalism, saying, “Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life, they have never affected my decision-making on the field. I have always upheld the integrity of the game.”

The FA’s investigation continues, with no conclusions yet reached regarding the referee’s actions.