David Coote has refuted allegations he mentioned giving a yellow card earlier than a match.
The Solar newspaper claims Coote booked then-Leeds participant Ezgjan Alioski in a match towards West Brom in October 2019, then messaged a pal saying: “I hope you backed as mentioned.”
In response to the allegations, Coote stated: “I strongly refute these false and defamatory allegations. No matter points I’ll have had in my private life they’ve by no means affected my decision-making on the sector.
“I’ve all the time held the integrity of the sport within the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to one of the best of my capacity.”
A spokesperson for PGMOL informed Sky Sports activities Information: “The information have to be established in mild of those very severe allegations.
“We undertake a zero-tolerance strategy to any breach of our integrity code of conduct, which is signed by all match officers on an annual foundation. PGMOL board is dedicated to taking the suitable motion ought to any breach of that code be confirmed.
“David Coote stays suspended and topic to an ongoing disciplinary course of by PGMOL, separate to the investigation into this matter, which can be carried out independently by the FA.
“We can be making no additional remark at this stage.”
A spokesperson for the FA informed Sky Sports activities Information: “These are very severe allegations and we’re investigating as a matter of urgency.”
A press release launched by Leeds on Wednesday learn: “Leeds United are conscious of the allegations relating to the conduct of a match official, involving our EFL Championship fixture with West Bromwich Albion in October 2019.
“We respect and have full confidence within the FA, EFL and PGMOL rules and processes.
“We can be making no additional remark right now.”
