David Coote reacts amid probe into old West Brom v Leeds United match
David Coote has issued a statement in reaction to reports he is facing a probe over a yellow card issued in a fixture between West Brom and Leeds United five years ago.
The Sun reported (26 November) that the already suspended official is now being investigated by the FA after a message was sent to a friend over a booking shown to former Leeds man Ezgjan Alioski in a contest in October 2019, a game the Baggies lost 1-0.
The newspaper said the friend told Coote to book Alioski before the games, with the 42-year-old said to have sent a message following the game that read: “I hope you backed as discussed”, which Coote labelled as banter.
In a statement quoted by talkSPORT [27 November], Coote vehemently denied any wrongdoing, saying: “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.
“I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability.”
West Brom v Leeds United game dragged into Coote controversy
West Brom are unlikely to be too disturbed following the latest in a long line of allegations against Coote at present, as some incidents involving the club’s players are discussed by former officials.
The priority for the club long-term right now is to keep hold of boss Carlos Corberan, who is wanted in the Premier League.
The news surrounding Coote and the Baggies’ fixture from five years ago will largely be background noise in all honest.
Of course, the correct procedure is to investigate the incident, to which the official – who last took charge of Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa earlier this month – has issued a response.
The Baggies lost that particular contest 1-0 at Elland Road, in the season both sides managed to earn promotion to the Premier League.
The two clubs finished in the two automatic promotion spots, with Albion heading back to the Championship in the following season.
In other West Brom news, the club have a managerial shortlist should Carlos Corberan end up at Leicester City.
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