The Football Association (FA) has launched an investigation into allegations that referee David Coote discussed issuing a yellow card with a fan ahead of a Championship match.
Coote, 42, has denied these latest claims, describing them as “false and defamatory.” He is already under investigation by the FA and has been suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and UEFA due to separate allegations regarding his conduct.
According to a report published by The Sun on Tuesday, Coote allegedly exchanged messages with a fan about issuing a yellow card before and after a 2019 match between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion.
The incident in question involved a booking given to Leeds defender Ezgjan Alioski. However, there is no indication of any financial gain by Coote, and the yellow card is considered to have been correctly awarded.
The BBC has not independently verified the details of the report.
“I strongly refute these false and defamatory allegations,” Coote said in a statement.
“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 one of the Premier League’s most experienced officials and has been refereeing matches in the top flight since 2018.
The FA told the BBC: “These are very serious allegations and we are investigating as a matter of urgency.”
The PGMOL said it takes a “zero-tolerance approach” to any breach of its code of conduct.
“The facts need to be established in light of these very serious allegations,” it added.
“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.”
Leeds said they “are aware of the allegations” and added: “We respect and have full confidence in the FA, EFL and PGMOL regulations and processes. We will be making no further comment at this time.”
David Coote was initially suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) on 11 November, pending a full investigation, after a video surfaced allegedly showing him making derogatory remarks about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
The Football Association (FA) followed suit with its own investigation starting on 12 November.
On 13 November, The Sun published images purportedly taken during the European Championship this summer, which allegedly show Coote using a rolled-up U.S. banknote to sniff a white powder. Coote was serving as a match official during the tournament.
PGMOL has stated that it is taking these allegations “very seriously” and has launched an internal investigation. UEFA, European football’s governing body, has also suspended Coote and initiated its own inquiry.
The BBC has not independently verified the authenticity of the images or video. Last week, PGMOL emphasized that Coote’s welfare remains a priority as the investigations continue.