David Coote denies claims as FA betting probe launched after Leeds United v West Brom claim

The Football Association says it is urgently investigating allegations that Premier League referee David Coote discussed showing a yellow card with a fan before a match involving West Brom.

The 42-year-old was suspended by the PGMOL earlier this month for calling former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp a "German c***" after an old video clip went viral on social media. Coote was then the subject of further controversy when a clip of him allegedly snorting a white powder was also leaked.

And it has now emerged that he allegedly discussed giving a yellow card before a match, saying in a message: “I hope you backed as discussed.”

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In a report by The Sun, who revealed the probe, The FA said it was investigating the “very serious allegations as a matter of urgency”. The FA said in a statement: "These are very serious allegations and we are investigating as a matter of urgency".

Coote himself denies any wrongdoing. He does accept that a "conversation" took place relating to a Championship fixture between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion back in October 2019, though he claims it was only "banter".

He said in a statement: “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.”

It's alleged that Coote bragged to a Leeds fan he met online that he was refereeing their upcoming match with West Brom.

It's claimed that Coote said the day before the game: “Yeah really good I’ve got Leeds tomorrow.”The friend is then said to have replied: “Ooh big game. We still on for what we ­discussed (Alioski). Maybe I could join you if so.” Coote then replies: “Haha don’t know what you mean.”

The friend then posts: “Haha well I’m off to back it in the morning so don’t let me down.”

Ezgjan Alioski was shown a yellow card the following evening during the match between the two sides. The report goes on to outline that football experts said the booking, which took place in the 18th minute, was 'fully justified'.

Leeds would go on to win said match 1-0.

The PGMOL said in a statement on Tuesday night: “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.”