Leeds United at the heart of latest David Coote allegations in national newspaper

Leeds United are at the centre of the latest allegations surrounding Premier League referee David Coote, according to a national newspaper. The 42-year-old booked Ezgjan Alioski during an Elland Road win over West Bromwich Albion in October 2019 and that is the decision at the heart of this fresh report.

Alioski was booked in the 18th minute of the match after a sliding tackle on Darnell Furlong. The North Macedonian slid through the right-back after the ball had been clipped over Alioski. It was the only yellow shown to a Leeds player on the night.

The Sun reports Coote exchanged messages with someone about refereeing that match, including a caution for Alioski, and afterwards sent: “I hope you backed as discussed.” Coote, according to the report, denies any wrongdoing.

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A spokesperson for PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) 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. 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 (The Football Association).

"We will be making no further comment at this stage."

A spokesperson for the FA told Sky Sports News: "These are very serious allegations and we are investigating as a matter of urgency."