Leeds issue statement over Coote allegations

Image source, Rex Features

Leeds United have issued a statement acknowledging accusations made towards referee David Coote over their Championship match against West Bromwich Albion in October 2019.

It is alleged that Coote discussed issuing a yellow card with a fan prior to the match, in which he awarded one to Leeds defender Ezgjan Alioski.

Coote says he denies the claims and calls them "false and defamatory allegations".

There is no suggestion of any financial gain by Coote and the booking is regarded as entirely correct.

The 42-year-old official had already been suspended by the Football Association following an investigation into alleged comments made in an unverified video about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

"We respect and have full confidence in the FA, EFL [English Football League] and PGMOL [Professional Game Match Officials Ltd] regulations and processes," Leeds said in their

"We will be making no further comment at this time."