The Football Association (FA) is investigating allegations that referee David Coote discussed issuing a yellow card with a fan prior to a Championship match. Coote, aged 42, has strongly denied the allegations, calling them "false and defamatory." This new inquiry adds to Coote's ongoing suspension by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and UEFA, stemming from separate claims about his conduct. The controversy surrounds claims published by the Sun newspaper, which suggested that Coote exchanged messages with a fan regarding the yellow card issued to Leeds defender Ezgjan Alioski during a 2019 match against West Brom. The booking itself is considered valid, and there is no indication of financial misconduct.
Coote has rejected the allegations, asserting that personal issues have never influenced his decisions on the field. He emphasized his commitment to the integrity of the sport, stating that he has always officiated matches impartially. The FA has taken these allegations seriously and has launched an investigation to determine the facts. The PGMOL also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards any breaches of its code of conduct, stating that an independent investigation will be carried out by the FA, while PGMOL will continue its separate disciplinary process.
This investigation follows other recent controversies surrounding Coote. He was suspended on November 11 after a video appeared to show him making disparaging remarks about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Additionally, photos surfaced in mid-November that allegedly showed Coote using a white powder during this summer’s European Championship, leading both the PGMOL and UEFA to initiate separate inquiries. These ongoing investigations highlight the serious nature of the allegations against Coote, with both the PGMOL and the FA committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in this matter.
David Coote is really in hot waters this season. Would you side with FA, if they come to a conclusion that all the claims are true ?
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