Wednesday, November 27, 2024 -Rhe Football Association are investigating claims Premier League referee David Coote discussed booking a player before a match.
The allegations centre around a Championship game
between Leeds and West Bromwich in October 2019.
According to The Sun newspaper, Coote had a text exchange with
a 'pal' in which it was suggested Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski would be booked
during the clash at Elland Road.
During the 18th minute of the match, Alioski was brandished a yellow
card by Coote after sliding in on West Brom's Darnell Furlong.
The following day, Coote is reported to have messaged his friend again
to say: 'What a day yesterday. I hope you backed as discussed.'
An FA spokesman confirmed on Tuesday night they are investigating the
matter.
'These are very serious allegations and we are investigating as a matter
of urgency,' read a statement.
The Sun reports Coote denies any wrongdoing and that there is no
suggestion the official made any financial gain. The decision to give the
yellow card is also considered the correct call by the referee given the nature
of the challenge.
Insisting nothing untoward occurred during their discussion, Coote
reportedly claims he was only having 'banter' with the friend.
During the exchange, Coote reportedly boasted to the Leeds fan that he
was set to referee their Championship match against the Baggies.
It is reported the fan jokingly told Coote to give Alioski a yellow card
during the game so he could place a bet on that outcome ahead of time.
On the eve of the fixture, the friend replied to another Coote message
by saying: 'Oooh big game. We still on for what we discussed. Maybe I could you
if so.'
Coote responded: 'Haha I don't know what you mean.'
The friend added: 'Haha, well I'm off to back it in the morning so don't
let me down.'
'Haha will see,' Coote replied.
During the 18th minute of the match, Alioski was brandished a yellow
card by Coote after sliding in on West Brom's Darnell Furlong.
Alioski was ultimately the match winner for Leeds, netting the
only goal of the game in their 1-0 win at Elland Road.
A day after the match, Coote told the friend: 'What a day yesterday. I
hope you backed as discussed.'
The Leeds fan replied by saying that he did not bet on the outcome,
admitting another friend 'backed it though'.
'Haha he will have to share with you then,' the referee replied.
In a statement given to the Sun on Tuesday, the referee 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.'
Coote has found himself at the centre of a storm in recent weeks.
He was suspended by referees body PGMOL over an explicit rant about
former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp that was leaked on social media.
A video of Coote filmed snorting a white powder during Euro 2024 earlier
this summer also leaked online.
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