David Coote has strongly rejected “false and defamatory” accusations related to a 2019 Championship match between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion. The Premier League referee, currently suspended by PGMOL, is under scrutiny following the release of two controversial videos. One clip, circulating on social media, features Coote making disparaging remarks about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. The other, published by The Sun, allegedly shows him inhaling white powder at Euro 2024.
A new report in The Sun claims Coote sent a message to a friend ahead of the 2019 match, saying, “I hope you backed as discussed,” referencing a yellow card issued to Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski in the 18th minute. Alioski’s booking came after a late challenge near the corner flag, a decision Coote defended as justified.
While Coote has not publicly commented on the earlier videos, he responded to the latest allegations on Wednesday. He denied any misconduct, stressing that his personal life has never affected his impartiality on the field. Coote reaffirmed his dedication to upholding the integrity of the sport and his commitment to officiating fairly.
In response, a PGMOL spokesperson stated that the allegations are being thoroughly investigated. The organization has a strict zero-tolerance policy for breaches of its integrity code, which all referees sign each year. If any violation is confirmed, the appropriate actions will be taken.
Leading up to the October 1, 2019 match, Alioski had been booked twice in eight Championship appearances that season. Over his first two years at Leeds, the North Macedonian international received 16 yellow cards in 92 matches across all competitions.
