The Football Association (FA), England’s governing body for the sport, has announced that it is investigating referee David Coote for an alleged 2019 betting violation.
According to the FA, Coote allegedly discussed giving a yellow card with a friend prior to an October 2019 match between Leeds United and West Bromwich. Coote reportedly messaged a friend following the match, stating “I hope you backed as discussed,” according to The Sun.
“I strongly refute these false and defamatory allegations,” Coote shared in a Tuesday statement, claiming nothing improper had occurred. “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, who has refereed in England’s top-flight league since 2018, did acknowledge that a conversation had taken place, but further denied wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, alongside the FA’s investigation, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), responsible for managing England's top referees and officials, also announced a concurrent investigation.
"The facts need to be established in light of these very serious allegations," the organization shared with The BBC. "PGMOL board is committed to taking the appropriate action should any breach of that code be proven.”
Leeds United, one of the clubs reported to have been involved in the match with the allegedly dubious booking, also released a brief statement on the matter.
“Leeds United are aware of the allegations regarding the conduct of a match official, involving our EFL Championship fixture with West Bromwich Albion in October 2019,” their statement reads. “We respect and have full confidence in the FA, EFL and PGMOL regulations and processes.”
Coote in hot water yet again
This latest incident is far from the first time Coote has found himself in trouble over the past number of weeks.
Earlier this month, Coote was suspended after a video leaked online. The 42-year-old went on a tirade against Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp which is believed to date back to the 2020-21 season. He’s also being investigated by the FA for this incident under an entirely separate investigation.
Additionally, just days after his suspension, a video allegedly containing Coote leaked, showing the referee sniffing a “white powder” through a rolled-up U.S. bill, according to The Athletic.
