FA Investigates Referee David Coote Over Alleged Booking Discussions

The Football Association (FA) has launched an investigation into claims that referee David Coote discussed issuing a yellow card with a fan before a Championship match. Coote, 42, has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “false and defamatory.”

The allegations, reported by The Sun newspaper, suggest Coote exchanged messages with a fan about issuing a yellow card to Leeds defender Ezgjan Alioski during a 2019 match between Leeds and West Brom. The booking, made during the game, has not been disputed as incorrect, and there is no indication of financial gain on Coote’s part.

This comes amid separate investigations into Coote’s conduct by the FA, UEFA, and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which has suspended him from officiating duties pending the outcomes.

In a statement, Coote emphasized his commitment to the integrity of the game:

“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.”

Coote, one of the Premier League’s most experienced referees, has been officiating top-flight matches since 2018.