Football Association Initiates Investigation into Referee David Coote Over Booking Allegations

The Football Association has stated it is investigating an allegation concerning referee David Coote, specifically that he discussed issuing a yellow card with a supporter prior to a Championship fixture. Coote began officiating in the Premier League in 2018. Mr. Coote, aged 42, has denied these recent claims, describing them as “false and defamatory allegations”. The referee is already subject to an ongoing investigation by the FA and has been suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the refereeing body, as well as by Uefa, European football’s governing body, due to distinct allegations concerning his behavior. A recent report published on Tuesday in The Sun newspaper alleged that Coote exchanged messages with a fan, discussing the issuance of a yellow card both before and after a 2019 match between Leeds and West Brom. This exchange reportedly pertains to a booking issued by Coote to Leeds defender Ezgjan Alioski during that game. It has been noted that there is no indication of Coote receiving any financial benefit, and the booking itself is considered to have been entirely correct. The BBC has not independently verified the information contained within this report. In a statement, Coote asserted, “I strongly refute these false and defamatory allegations.” He further stated, “Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life they have never affected my decision-making on the field.” Coote added, “I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability.” Coote is recognized as one of the Premier League’s highly experienced officials, having refereed matches in the top division since 2018. The FA informed the BBC that “These are very serious allegations and we are investigating as a matter of urgency.” The PGMOL stated its commitment to a “zero-tolerance approach” regarding any violation of its code of conduct. It further commented, “The facts need to be established in light of these very serious allegations.” The PGMOL board, it added, “is committed to taking the appropriate action should any breach of that code be proven.” David Coote’s suspension remains in effect, and he is subject to an ongoing disciplinary process by PGMOL, which is distinct from the FA’s independent investigation into the current allegations. Leeds United confirmed they “are aware of the allegations” and stated, “We respect and have full confidence in the FA, EFL and PGMOL regulations and processes. We will be making no further comment at this time.” Coote’s initial suspension by the PGMOL occurred on 11 November, pending a comprehensive investigation, following the appearance of a video seemingly depicting him making disparaging comments about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. The FA commenced its own investigation on 12 November. On 13 November, The Sun published photographs it claimed were taken during this summer’s European Championship, alleging they appeared to show Coote sniffing a white powder using a rolled-up US bank note. Coote was officiating at the Euros in his role as a match official. The PGMOL stated it was treating these allegations “very seriously” and initiated an investigation. Uefa, the governing body for European football, has also commenced its own investigation and has suspended Coote. The BBC has not independently verified either the photographs or the video in question. Last week, the PGMOL commented that Coote’s welfare is “important to us” as its investigation into his conduct proceeds. Mark Halsey, a former Premier League referee, informed BBC Sport that he was “stunned” by the fresh allegations against Coote, asserting that they would be “damaging for all officials from grassroots all the way up,” but emphasized the necessity of allowing the investigation to conclude. Halsey further remarked on the importance of supporting Coote and expressed his belief that mental health provisions should be established for referees. He stated, “I’m quite thick-skinned, I can quickly move on to the next game, but some can’t and it is something that needs to be put in place, with all the officials at the top level.”