The Football Association (FA) is investigating new allegations against referee David Coote, who is accused of discussing issuing a yellow card with a fan prior to a Championship match. Coote, 42, has denied the claims, calling them “false and defamatory.”
The Sun reported on Tuesday that Coote allegedly exchanged messages with a fan before and after a 2019 fixture between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion, referencing a booking given to Leeds defender Ezgjan Alioski.
There is no suggestion of financial misconduct, and the caution itself is widely viewed as justified.
These allegations come amid ongoing investigations into Coote’s conduct by the FA, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), and UEFA.
Coote has been suspended from officiating by both the PGMOL and UEFA following earlier claims of inappropriate behaviour.
In a statement, Coote refuted the latest accusations, saying: “I strongly deny these false and defamatory allegations. Any personal issues I have faced have never compromised my professional integrity or decision-making on the field. I have always prioritised the integrity of the game.”
The FA described the allegations as “very serious” and emphasised that the matter is being investigated urgently. The PGMOL reiterated its “zero-tolerance approach” to breaches of its code of conduct and confirmed that Coote remains suspended pending a separate disciplinary process.
Leeds United acknowledged the situation, stating they “respect and have full confidence in the FA, EFL, and PGMOL regulations and processes” but declined to comment further.
The controversy deepened earlier this month when a video surfaced, showing Coote making disparaging remarks about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
Shortly after, the Sun published images allegedly showing Coote using a white powder during the summer’s European Championship, where he officiated matches.
Neither the video nor the photos have been independently verified by the BBC, but the PGMOL and UEFA have both initiated investigations into these claims. UEFA has also suspended Coote while the inquiries continue.
This marks a turbulent period for one of the Premier League’s most experienced referees, who has officiated top-flight matches since 2018.
