Leeds United have become the latest club to be involved in the refereeing controversy in recent weeks.
Over the past month it has been revealed that Premier League referee David Coote had been involved in a scandal. A video showed him using derogatory words towards Liverpool fans, and also Jurgen Klopp. Coote used some very unprofessional words to address the former Liverpool coach.
The 42-year old has since been suspended by UEFA and PGMOL. More news has been coming out since the initial scandal, with the latest suggesting Coote was involved in illegal betting practices in a Leeds United game. The referee booked Ezgjan Alioski when Leeds played West Brom in October 2019. It has since been revealed by The Sun, that after the game, Coote sent text messages to a friend about the yellow card: “I hope you backed as discussed.” the text read. Coote has since come out to deny any wrongdoing.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 Leeds United players from the 2000s?
Simon Jordan reacts to Leeds United being involved in controversy
Credit: Imago Images
Since the incident was made public, there have been a lot of discussions about what else went on in that game against West Brom. Leeds have already addressed the allegations about Coote by releasing a statement. The club emphasized that they have full faith in the FA, EFL and PGMOL to carry out the investigation process.
Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has discussed the repercussions surrounding David Coote and that Leeds United game:
“It’s a very bad look for the individual and of course then, the collateral damage moves onto the organisation because they’ve got a situation where these text messages, it’s difficult to read them in any other way,”
“Everything is contextual so we’re taking it in the context that potentially is very damaging and it doesn’t look like it can’t be. And of course, we wonder why these things are coming to the surface – who is doing it and what is their motivation? There are a variety of rumours around that particular scenario.”
What happens now?
The FA, EFL and PGMOL are all investigating the matter. If there is anything discovered, David Coote will be sanctioned. Leeds fans can speculate on what other decisions might have been manufactured by the referee, but in the end it was a genuine yellow card for Alioski.
In other news Frank Lampard has returned to management in the Championship, joining a rival team.
