Suspended Premier League referee hit with fresh West Brom booking allegation
Suspended referee David Coote is facing a fresh investigation over allegedly discussing the awarding of a yellow card prior to a game involving Albion.
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A fixture between the Baggies and Leeds at Elland Road on October 1 2019 is at the centre of a new probe after The Sun newspaper revealed Coote had sent messages to an associate both before and after the fixture related to the dishing out of a caution.
The evidence was handed over to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and an investigation has been launched by the Football Association.
The evidence contains reference to a yellow card for Leeds' Edzgjan Alioski, discussed prior to the fixture. North Macedonian Aliokski was booked in the 18th minute of the game for a foul on Albion's Darnell Furlong.
Leeds won the match 1-0 through a Kyle Bartley own goal. Both clubs went on to win promotion from the Championship that season.
The Sun newspaper alleges Coote text a friend with the quote "I hope you backed as discussed" after the match. It adds the official denies wrongdoing took place.
He does not deny the discussion took place, but added it was just “banter". Coote is already serving a suspension from the PGMOL having been recorded using bad language while describing former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
A PGMOL statement said: "The facts need to be established in light of these very serious allegations. We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to our integrity code of conduct, which is signed by all match officials on an annual basis.
"The PGMOL board is committed to take appropriate action should any breach of that code be proven.
"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. We will be making no further comment at this stage."
The FA said: "These are very serious allegations and we are investigating as a matter of urgency."