Suspended English Premier League referee David Coote is now the subject of a corruption investigation after messages obtained by UK tabloid The Sun show him discussing a bet on a yellow card in a game he was officiating.
Coote was suspended by English soccerâs governing body, the Football Association (FA), two weeks ago after video footage emerged that raised questions about his impartiality and professional judgment. In the video, the 42-year-old was seen in an unguarded moment repeatedly calling ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp âa cââ and âfââ arrogantâ after presiding over a Liverpool game.
Two days later, more footage emerged that appeared to show Coote snorting a white powder in a hotel room during the Euro 2024 Championships. Coote was a video assistant referee (VAR) during the tournament.
âHope You Backed as Discussedâ
In the new messages seen by The Sun, a friend of Cooteâs told him that he should give a yellow card to Leeds United left-back Ezgjan Alioski in a 2019 Championship game against West Bromwich Albion.
The day before the game, the friend contacted Coote again: âOoh big game. We still on for what we Âdiscussed [Alioski]? Maybe I could join you if so,â said the unnamed individual.
Coote replied: âHaha! Donât know what you mean.â
The individual then said: âHaha well Iâm off to back it in the morning so donât let me down.â
Coote answered: âHaha will see.â
Alioski was booked in the 18th minute for a foul on Darnell Furlong. The card appeared to be justified. After the game, Coote messaged his friend: âWhat a day yesterday. I hope you backed as discussed.â
His friend replied that he hadnât, but he believed another friend had.
âHaha! He will have to share with you then,â replied Coote.
Conversation âa Jokeâ
Coote does not deny that the conversations took place, but he does reject the allegation of corruption, according to The Sun. He claims the interactions were a joke.
I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability,â Coote said in a statement.
Both the FA and the refereesâ association, PGMOL, have said they are investigating the âvery serious allegations.â
âPGMOL Board is committed to taking the appropriate action should any breach of that Code be proven,â the association said in a statement. âDavid 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.â
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