FA Probes Referee Coote Over Betting Allegations

Premier League referee David Coote is under investigation by the FA over allegations that he discussed issuing a yellow card to Leeds United player Ezgjan Alioski with a friend before a match in October 2019, with the implication of betting on the outcome. Coote has denied any wrongdoing, labeling the allegations as 'false and defamatory,' and claims no financial gain was involved, stating the conversation was merely 'banter'. The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) has suspended Coote and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards breaches of their integrity code. Additionally, Coote is being investigated for separate incidents, including a video allegedly showing him making derogatory remarks about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and another depicting him snorting a white substance. The FA and PGMOL are treating these allegations with urgency, while Coote insists his personal issues have never affected his on-field decision-making. Leeds United has not commented on the issue as of now.