David Coote Releases Statement Amid Fresh Allegations Against Premier League Referee

Referee David Coote has responded to allegations amid an FA investigation following claims he discussed issuing a yellow card to a player before a match. Coote, who is currently suspended by the PGMOL, is under scrutiny for several controversies, including a leaked video in which he was heard making offensive remarks about Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, referring to him as a “German c***” and “f***ing arrogant.”

The 42-year-old also faces allegations related to a separate video showing him allegedly snorting a white substance using a US banknote in a UEFA-provided hotel while working at Euro 2024 in Germany. UEFA has since suspended him over the incident.

The latest FA investigation centers on claims reported by The Sun that Coote exchanged messages with a friend, a Leeds United fan, in 2019, discussing the possibility of booking Ezgjan Alioski before a Championship match between Leeds and West Brom. Coote allegedly joked about cautioning Alioski so his friend could place a bet on it.

In the exchange, Coote reportedly mentioned he was refereeing Leeds’ match, to which the friend referenced their prior discussion about Alioski. While Coote’s replies appeared dismissive, messages following the match—where Alioski received the only yellow card for a challenge in the 18th minute—suggested his awareness of the friend’s betting intentions. Coote allegedly referred to the incident as “inappropriate banter” and denied any breach of impartiality, emphasizing that the messages were ill-judged jokes.

In a statement, 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 upheld the integrity of the game, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability.”

The FA described the allegations as “very serious” and is investigating as a “matter of urgency.” PGMOL also issued a statement, highlighting its zero-tolerance approach to breaches of its Integrity Code of Conduct. Coote remains suspended and is subject to an ongoing PGMOL disciplinary process separate from the FA’s investigation. Both organizations have stated they will not comment further while inquiries are underway.