Premier League referee David Coote faces a corruption investigation following the emergence of messages suggesting his potential involvement in a betting scandal. The messages, obtained by The Sun, show discussions about a yellow card in a 2019 Championship match he officiated between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion.

The controversial messages reveal a conversation between Coote and an unnamed friend regarding Leeds United left-back Ezgjan Alioski. The friend suggested Coote should give Alioski a yellow card, which subsequently happened in the 18th minute of the match for a foul on Darnell Furlong.

Key message exchanges include:

• Friend: "We still on for what we discussed [Alioski]?"
• Coote: "Haha! Don't know what you mean."
• Post-match Coote: "What a day yesterday. I hope you backed as discussed."

This investigation follows Coote's recent suspension for two separate incidents:

• Video footage showing him making derogatory comments about ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp
• Footage allegedly showing him snorting a white powder during Euro 2024

While Coote acknowledges the conversations took place, he maintains they were meant as a joke, stating: "I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability."

Both the Football Association (FA) and PGMOL are conducting independent investigations into these "very serious allegations." Coote remains suspended pending the outcome of these disciplinary proceedings.

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