FA investigating allegations referee discussed booking player before game
The English Football Association (FA) is urgently investigating allegations that referee David Coote discussed issuing a yellow card to a player before a 2019 match between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion. Reports suggest Coote communicated with a friend about booking Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski, later messaging, “I hope you backed as discussed.” Coote denies these claims, labeling them “false and defamatory.” The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) is also examining the matter, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance on integrity breaches. This investigation adds to Coote’s existing suspensions over separate incidents.
