Leeds United vs. West Brom: referee David Coote strongly refutes “false and defamatory allegations” amid betting probe
David Coote has release a statement to refute “false and defamatory allegations” made against him with regards to a Championship fixture from 2019.
The Premier League official is already serving a PGMOL suspension on the back of two videos emerging on social media and in a national newspaper.
As well as making disparaging remarks about then-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in a video seemingly filmed during the coronavirus pandemic, Coote is also being investigated for a video that appeared in The Sun which showed someone they alleged was Coote sniffing white powder through a rolled-up American bank note while he was at Euro 2024.
On Tuesday night, a new report appeared in the same outlet regarding a yellow card that was handed to Ezgjan Alioski during a Championship fixture between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion in 2019.
Coote is alleged to have messaged a friend saying “I hope you backed as discussed” in reference to cautioning the North Macedonia international in the 18th minute.
Alioski was booked for a late, mistimed challenge by the corner flag and Coote was justified in booking the left-sided player.
While Coote has not publicly addressed the first two incidents, he released a statement on Wednesday morning to respond to the Alioski situation.
Coote said: “I strongly refute these false and defamatory allegations. Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life they have never affected my decision-making on the field.
“I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability.”
In response, a PGMOL spokesman told Sky Sports News: “The facts need to be established in light of these very serious allegations.
“We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any breach of our integrity code of conduct, which is signed by all match officials on an annual basis. PGMOL board is committed to taking the appropriate action should any breach of that code be proven.”
