FA Investigates Referee David Coote Allegations

Referee David Coote is under investigation by the Football Association (FA) following allegations that he discussed issuing a yellow card with a fan prior to a Championship match in October 2019. These claims, reported by The Sun, suggest that Coote communicated with a supporter about booking Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski, and allegedly followed up after the booking with a message saying, 'I hope you backed as discussed.' Coote, who has denied the allegations, asserts that his personal issues have never influenced his officiating decisions. The FA has emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, and Coote is already under scrutiny for separate issues, including derogatory comments and another investigation by UEFA. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy regarding integrity breaches. Coote remains suspended while investigations continue.