David Coote, the English Premier League referee who has been suspended, is currently under investigation for corruption after messages acquired by the UK tabloid The Sun reveal him talking about betting on a yellow card during a match he officiated. 

Coote was suspended by the Football Association (FA), the governing body of English soccer, two weeks ago following the release of video footage that called into question his neutrality and professional judgment. In the video, the 42-year-old was caught in a candid moment repeatedly referring to former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp as “a c—” and “f—— arrogant” following a Liverpool match. 

Two days later, additional footage surfaced that seemed to depict Coote inhaling a white powder in a hotel room during the Euro 2024 Championships. Coote served as a video assistant referee (VAR) throughout the tournament. 

"Trust You Supported as Agreed" 

In the recent texts viewed by The Sun, a friend of Coote advised him to issue a yellow card to Leeds United left-back Ezgjan Alioski during a 2019 Championship match versus West Bromwich Albion. 

The day before the game, the friend contacted Coote again: “Ooh big game. We still on for what we ­discussed [Alioski]? Maybe I could join you if so,” said the unnamed individual.

Coote replied: “Haha! Don’t know what you mean.”

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

Coote answered: “Haha will see.”

Alioski received a yellow card in the 18th minute for fouling Darnell Furlong. The card seemed to be warranted. Following the match, Coote texted his friend:  “What a day yesterday. I hope you backed as discussed.”

His friend responded that he hadn’t, but he thought another friend had. 

Dialogue 'a Jest' 

Coote acknowledges that the discussions occurred, but he denies the claim of corruption, as reported by The Sun. He asserts that the exchanges were meant as a joke.

"I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability,” Coote said in a statement.

The FA and the referees organization, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), have stated that they are looking into the "extremely serious allegations." 

“[The] PGMOL Board is committed to taking the appropriate action should any breach of that Code be proven,” the association said in a statement. “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.”