The English FA is investigating EPL referee David Coote for an alleged betting violation dating back to a 2019 game. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Ref in more hot water?

English soccer’s governing body has launched an investigation into an English Football League (EFL) referee whose reputation was already hanging in tatters. 

The FA announced earlier this week that it is looking at under-fire match official David Coote for an alleged betting violation dating back to an EFL Championship game in 2019. 

 informed a friend of a yellow card penalty in advance

According to Covers.com, Coote reportedly informed a friend of a yellow card penalty in advance of a 2019 Championship match.

Coote allegedly texted his contact after the game in English’s soccer’s second tier league between Leeds United and West Bromwich, stating: “I hope you backed as discussed.”

Coote’s reputation as an EFL referee in the EPL or any other league in the UK was shattered by derogatory comments he made against former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp captured in a leaked video. 

Another video of Coote snorting what appeared to be a white substance also turned up; the FA has since placed the ref under suspension.

Coote denies allegations

Coote, who has been officiating EPL games since 2018, strongly refuted the betting violations, calling them “false and defamatory.” 

In a Tuesday statement, Coote said his “personal life” issues “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.”

 a conversation had indeed taken place

Coote, however, did confirm that a conversation had indeed taken place with his friend, but he denied any further wrongdoing. 

Coote is also under a probe by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), with its former chief and ex-EPL refereeing legend Keith Hackett shedding light on the process of the investigation on Thursday.

Hackett told Football Insider that experts are examining the contentious footage of Coote “to ensure it’s genuine, that it’s not a fake.”

Next steps

Hackett stated once PGMOL investigators complete their review of the footage, they’ll then interview Coote and “any witnesses that are available.”

The ex-EPL ref said PGMOL will need to “provide sufficient information to the lawyers who are going to represent David Coote, and then it will go to a formal hearing and the panel has got to be selected for that.”

PGMOL have a duty of care towards Coote.”

Hackett added that despite the “negative aspects” of the case “in terms of refereeing around the world […] PGMOL have a duty of care towards Coote.”

Liverpool fans unveiled a cheeky banner aimed at Coote during their 2-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid at Anfield. An image of Coote appeared on a montage giving Klopp the last word alongside a caption reading: “VAR. Just gone too far.”