Leeds United Responds to Allegations Involving Referee David Coote

Leeds United has released a statement in response to allegations directed at referee David Coote concerning their Championship fixture against West Bromwich Albion in October 2019. The allegations claim that Coote reportedly discussed the issuance of a yellow card with a supporter before the game, during which he subsequently cautioned Leeds defender Ezgjan Alioski. Coote, for his part, denies these claims, characterizing them as “false and defamatory allegations”. No evidence suggests any financial benefit for Coote, and the yellow card issued is considered to have been entirely correct. The 42-year-old official had previously been suspended by the Football Association after an inquiry into alleged remarks made in an unverified video concerning former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. In their official club statement, Leeds declared, “We respect and have full confidence in the FA, EFL [English Football League] and PGMOL [Professional Game Match Officials Ltd] regulations and processes.” The club added, “We will be making no further comment at this time.”