David Coote breaks silence as FA launch new investigation 'as a matter of urgency'

The FA are investigating new allegations against Premier League referee David Coote, who remains suspended.

Coote was suspended by the PGMOL and an investigation was launched on November 11 after a clip circulated on social media which claimed to show him criticising Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp during lockdown. Shortly afterward, another video was released reportedly showing Coote 'sniffing a white substance' during Euro 2024.

The video from this summer is currently being investigated by UEFA. Now, new claims have been made which the FA has said it is investigating. Coote has stressed that his integrity has never been in doubt on the pitch.

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"These are very serious allegations and we are investigating as a matter of urgency," a statement from the FA, reported by PA, said.

In a statement reported by PA, Coote said: "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."

Meanwhile, the PGMOL told PA: "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. "David Coote remains suspended and subject to an ongoing disciplinary process by PGMOL, separate to the investigation into this matter which will be carried out independently by the FA. We will be making no further comment at this stage."

"Leeds United are aware of the allegations regarding the conduct of a match official, involving our EFL Championship fixture with West Bromwich Albion in October 2019," Leeds said in a statement reported by PA. "We respect and have full confidence in the FA, EFL and PGMOL regulations and processes.

"We will be making no further comment at this time." Coote's last match as a referee came on November 9 when he officiated Liverpool's 2-0 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League.