Premier League referee David Coote is under investigation for potential betting corruption following the discovery of suspicious messages discussing a yellow card in a 2019 Championship match he officiated.

The investigation comes after The Sun obtained messages between Coote and a friend discussing a potential yellow card for Leeds United's Ezgjan Alioski in a match against West Bromwich Albion. The day before the game, the friend asked if they were "still on for what we discussed," to which Coote replied, "Haha! Don't know what you mean."

Alioski received a yellow card in the 18th minute for fouling Darnell Furlong. After the match, Coote messaged: "What a day yesterday. I hope you backed as discussed."

This investigation follows Coote's recent suspension by the Football Association (FA) after two separate incidents:

• Video footage showed him making derogatory comments about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp
• Additional footage appeared to show him snorting a white powder during Euro 2024, where he served as a VAR official

Coote acknowledges the conversations took place but claims 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 FA and PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) are conducting investigations into these "very serious allegations." PGMOL confirmed Coote remains suspended while the disciplinary process continues, with the FA carrying out an independent investigation.

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