The Football Association is currently conducting an urgent investigation into referee David Coote after allegations surfaced that he may have discussed booking a player before a game.
According to The Sun, Coote reportedly exchanged text messages with a friend prior to a Championship match between Leeds United and West Brom in 2019, where the possibility of Leeds left-back Ezgjan Alioski receiving a yellow card was mentioned.
Alioski was indeed booked in the 18th minute for a challenge on Darnell Furlong.
The referee allegedly messaged the individual the next day, saying: “I hope you backed as discussed.”
Despite these claims, Coote has denied any wrongdoing and the FA has initiated an investigation into the matter promptly.
In a statement, Coote stated: “I strongly deny these baseless and damaging accusations.
“Regardless of any personal challenges I may have faced, they have never influenced my judgment on the field.
“I have always upheld the integrity of the sport, officiating matches fairly and to the best of my ability.”
Currently, Coote has been suspended from refereeing duties while both the FA and the refereeing body PGMOL review footage that allegedly shows him making disparaging comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp.
Additionally, he has been removed from overseeing matches in UEFA competitions after another video surfaced showing Coote allegedly consuming a white substance during Euro 2024.