Published on: November 27, 2024, 07:26h.
Last updated on: November 27, 2024, 07:26h.
Suspended English Premier League referee David Coote is under investigation for corruption after messages obtained by UK tabloid The Sun revealed him discussing a bet on a yellow card during a match he was refereeing.
Coote was suspended by the English Football Association (FA) two weeks ago after video footage raised concerns about his impartiality and professionalism. In the video, the 42-year-old was heard making derogatory remarks about ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp after officiating a Liverpool game.
More footage later emerged allegedly showing Coote snorting a white powder during the Euro 2024 Championships, where he served as a video assistant referee (VAR).
‘Hope You Backed as Discussed’
New messages obtained by The Sun show a friend of Coote’s suggesting that he should give a yellow card to a player in a match. The friend mentioned the 2019 Championship game between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion.
Prior to the game, the friend messaged Coote, “Ooh big game. We still on for what we discussed [Alioski]? Maybe I could join you if so,” referring to Ezgjan Alioski, the player in question.
Coote replied ambiguously, “Haha! Don’t know what you mean.” The friend then indicated his intention to bet on it, to which Coote responded, “Haha will see.”
Alioski received a yellow card in the 18th minute for a foul, which seemed justified. After the match, Coote messaged his friend: “What a day yesterday. I hope you backed as discussed.”
The friend admitted not backing the bet but believed another friend had.
“Haha! He will have to share with you then,” Coote replied.
Conversation ‘a Joke’
While Coote doesn’t deny the messages, he refutes the corruption accusation, claiming the exchanges were meant as a joke, according to The Sun.
I have always upheld the integrity of the game, refereeing matches fairly and to the best of my abilities,” Coote stated.
Both the FA and the referees’ association, PGMOL, are investigating the allegations seriously.
“PGMOL Board is dedicated to taking appropriate action if any breach of conduct is confirmed,” the association declared. “David Coote remains suspended and is undergoing a disciplinary process by PGMOL, separate from the independent FA investigation.”