Premier League referee David Coote faces corruption allegations after messages revealed discussions about a yellow card bet in a 2019 Championship match he officiated between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion.

The investigation follows Coote's recent suspension for two separate incidents: a video showing him making derogatory comments about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, and footage allegedly showing him using illicit substances during Euro 2024, where he served as a VAR official.

Messages obtained by The Sun show Coote exchanging texts with a friend about booking Leeds United's Ezgjan Alioski. The day before the match, the friend asked if they were "still on for what we discussed," to which Coote replied, "Haha! Don't know what you mean." After Alioski received a yellow card in the 18th minute, Coote messaged: "What a day yesterday. I hope you backed as discussed."

Coote acknowledges the conversations occurred but claims they 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," he stated.

Both the Football Association (FA) and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) are conducting investigations into these "very serious allegations." The PGMOL confirmed Coote remains suspended and subject to an ongoing disciplinary process, separate from the FA's independent investigation into the betting allegations.

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