Suspended David Coote now investigated over alleged betting breach

Premier League referee David Coote, who is currently suspended over controversial comments regarding Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool emerged, is now being investigated by the Football Association in relation to breaching betting regulations.

A report in The Athletic claims that it relates to an apparent discussion he held with a friend about issuing a yellow card to a player prior to a game taking place.

The incident itself took place in a Championship clash in 2019 between Leeds and West Brom when Coote booked Whites star Ezgjan Alioski.

Coote has issued a swift denial of the allegations via a PGMOL statement.

"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," he said.

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

An additional report, cited from The Sun, states that Coote acknowledged a conversation took place but that there was nothing untoward about the yellow card, which Alioski received for a late slide tackle, nor did he financially gain from it.

A spokesperson for the FA has confirmed that they are investigating the 'very serious' incident nonetheless 'as a matter of urgency'.

Coote remains the subject of a separate FA investigation in relation to his comments about Klopp in last month's leaked video.

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