David Coote’s first assertion on FA betting probe after Klopp rant and ‘white powder’ vids
David Coote has broken his silence after finding himself embroiled in a new controversy with the FA launching a betting investigation centred around him.
The 42-year-old referee was previously suspended by the PGMOL earlier this month after a video surfaced on social media showing him using derogatory language towards former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, calling him a “German c***”. The situation escalated when another clip allegedly depicting Coote snorting a white substance while working at the Euros was leaked online.
Now, it has come to light that the controversial official is accused of discussing the issuing of a yellow card prior to a match. A message reportedly from Coote read: “I hope you backed as discussed.”
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The Sun, which broke the news of the investigation, quoted The FA stating they are treating these “very serious allegations as a matter of urgency”.
Coote has denied any misconduct. He acknowledges there was a “conversation” about a Championship game between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion in October 2019 but insists it was merely “banter”, reports the Mirror.
In his statement, Coote 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.”
Allegations also include Coote telling a Leeds supporter he encountered online about being the referee for their imminent clash with West Brom. The day before the match, Coote is alleged to have said: “Yeah really good I’ve got Leeds tomorrow.”
The friend is then reported to have responded: “Ooh big game. We still on for what we discussed (Alioski). Maybe I could join you if so.”
(Image: PA)
To which Coote allegedly replies: “Haha don’t know what you mean.” The friend then reportedly posts: “Haha well I’m off to back it in the morning so don’t let me down.”
Ezgjan Alioski was subsequently shown a yellow card the following evening during the match between the two teams. The report further details that football experts deemed the booking, which occurred in the 18th minute, as ‘fully justified’. Leeds would eventually triumph in the said match with a 1-0 victory.
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The PGMOL released a statement on Tuesday night saying: “The facts need to be established in light of these very serious allegations. We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any breach of our Integrity Code of Conduct, which is signed by all match officials on an annual basis.
“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.
“We will be making no further comment at this stage.”
