David Coote: FA investigates referee over Leeds yellow card claims
The Football Association has announced that it is looking into a claim that referee David Coote talked about issuing a yellow card with a spectator prior to a Championship game.
Coote, 42, states that he rejects the recent accusations, describing them as "untrue and damaging claims."
The referee is currently being looked into by the FA and has been temporarily banned from officiating by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and Uefa, the governing body for European football, due to different claims regarding his behavior.
A recent article in the Sun on Tuesday stated that Coote communicated with a supporter about issuing a yellow card both before and after a 2019 match between Leeds and West Brom.
The term "exchange" pertains to the yellow card that Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski received during the game, issued by referee Coote. There’s no implication of any financial incentive for Coote, and the decision to book Alioski is considered completely justified.
The BBC has not confirmed the information presented in the report.
"I completely reject these untrue and damaging claims," Coote stated in a formal response.
"Regardless of any personal challenges I've faced, they've never influenced the choices I've made while playing."
"I've always valued the fairness of the game above all else, striving to officiate matches fairly and to the best of my skills."
Coote is among the most seasoned referees in the Premier League, having officiated high-level matches since 2018.
The FA informed the BBC, "These are grave accusations, and we are looking into them immediately."
The PGMOL stated that it maintains a strict "zero-tolerance" policy regarding any violations of its code of conduct.
"The details must be clarified considering the gravity of these allegations," it continued.
The PGMOL board is dedicated to taking the necessary steps if any violations of that code are confirmed.
David Coote is still on suspension and is undergoing a disciplinary process managed by PGMOL. This is separate from the independent investigation into this situation that will be conducted by the FA.
Leeds acknowledged that they are "aware of the claims" and stated, "We trust and fully support the rules and procedures of the FA, EFL, and PGMOL. At this moment, we will not be providing any additional comments."
Coote was temporarily suspended by the PGMOL on November 11 while a thorough investigation was conducted after a video surfaced that seemingly showed him making negative comments about ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. The FA launched their own investigation the following day, on November 12.
On November 13, The Sun released images that it claims were captured during this summer’s European Championship. The photos are said to show Coote inhaling a white powder using a rolled-up US banknote.
Coote was serving as a match official during the Euros.
The PGMOL stated that it is treating those claims with utmost seriousness and has begun an investigation.
Uefa, the organization that oversees football in Europe, has initiated its own inquiry and has put Coote on suspension.
The BBC has not independently confirmed the authenticity of either the images or the video.
Last week, the PGMOL stated that Coote's well-being is "a priority for us," as they carry on with their investigation into his behavior.
Ex-Premier League referee Mark Halsey expressed his shock to BBC Sport regarding the recent allegations against Coote, stating that they could have negative effects on referees at every level, from amateur leagues to the top tiers. However, he emphasized the necessity of allowing the investigation to proceed before jumping to conclusions.
Halsey emphasized the significance of caring for Coote and expressed the need for mental health resources to be established for referees.
He mentioned, "I have a tough exterior and can easily transition to the next match, but not everyone is able to do that. It's important that we address this with all the officials at the highest level."
