Leeds United have been involved in the latest scandal in English football.
Premier League referee David Coote came under the spotlight after a video of him was released where he was seen making unprofessional comments towards former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. This video has led to his suspension and questions raised about his future with the PGMOL.
When the video was released, the Premier League referee who has over 14 years of experience in English football, denied that it was him in the video. Coote later retracted his statement and admitted that the video was genuine. He has since been suspended from his duties. PGMOL and UEFA are investigating this particular case and Coote could be sanctioned in the coming months.
QUIZ: Can you name these past and present Leeds United players?
Leeds United wrapped up in David Coote controversy
Credit: Imago Images
Not long after he was suspended, another video came out which showed the 42-year old interacting with a white substance. PGMOL revealed that they were aware of the video and are investigating that as a separate matter.
Now, Leeds United have also been wrapped up in this issue. The Sun newspaper has claimed that Coote was involved in betting in a match involving the club. In October 2019, Coote booked then-Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski in a match against West Brom. After the game, the referee was alleged to have messaged a friend saying: “I hope you backed as discussed.”
The 42-year old accepts a discussion took place, but claims it was not a serious conversation, and that no one made monetary gains off the match. Coote has come out and denied these new allegations against him.
“I strongly refute these false and defamatory allegations. 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.”
This is another serious allegation against the 42-year old following the video involving Jurgen Klopp. The PGMOL have also come out with their statement to 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.
“We will be making no further comment at this stage.”
What does this mean for Leeds?
David Coote will be investigated for the incident, and if found guilty he will be sanctioned. With the number of allegations on him piling up, the former referee’s career may end soon. In other news, the club have been linked with Premier League striker Evan Ferguson.
