FA Investigates Referee David Coote Over Yellow Card Allegations
The Football Association (FA) has launched an investigation into claims that Premier League referee David Coote discussed giving a yellow card with a fan before a match. The alleged incident involves a 2019 Championship game between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion, during which Coote booked Leeds defender Ezgjan Alioski.
Reports suggest Coote, 42, messaged a fan he had met online the day before the match, discussing the booking, and followed up afterward, saying, “What a day yesterday. I hope you backed as discussed.”
While there is no indication of financial misconduct, the allegations have raised serious questions about the integrity of officiating. However, the booking of Alioski is seen as being correct.
The yellow card incident adds to the growing scrutiny of Coote’s conduct, but the investigation is still in its early stages. Neither the videos nor the claims about the card discussion have been independently verified.
PGMOL stressed the need to establish the facts, stating, “We are committed to taking the appropriate action should any breach of the Integrity Code be proven.” Both PGMOL and the FA have declined to comment further until the investigations are concluded.
Coote has denied the claims, calling them “false and defamatory.” In a statement, he said, “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.”
PGMOL and UEFA to investigate allegations
The FA described the latest allegations as “very serious” and said it is investigating “as a matter of urgency.” PGMOL echoed this sentiment, emphasizing its “zero-tolerance approach” to breaches of its Integrity Code of Conduct, which all referees sign annually.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which oversees referees in English football, suspended Coote on November 11th after a video emerged in which Coote allegedly made disparaging remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jürgen Klopp. Days later, another video surfaced, reportedly showing him sniffing a white powder at a UEFA-appointed hotel during Euro 2024.
Coote’s suspension will remain in place while he is subject to ongoing disciplinary action by both PGMOL and UEFA. UEFA have also suspended him and launched its own investigation following the video allegations. PGMOL has stated that Coote’s welfare is being taken into account throughout the proceedings.
