LONDON — Referee David Coote, currently suspended from officiating in the Premier League, is facing a fresh investigation by the Football Association (FA) amid allegations surrounding his conduct prior to a match. According to various reports, he reportedly engaged in a conversation with a fan about the possibility of issuing a yellow card to a player.

Coote has categorically denied any misconduct, as reported by a British publication. Allegations suggest that he exchanged messages with a supporter regarding the likelihood of booking Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski before their Championship match against West Bromwich Albion in October 2019. Following the booking, Coote allegedly contacted the fan again, stating, “I hope you backed as discussed.”

The FA has acknowledged the seriousness of these allegations and announced that they are prioritizing the investigation process. “These are very serious allegations,” an FA representative stated, emphasizing their commitment to uncovering the facts promptly.

In his defense, Coote remarked, “Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life, they 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.”

This incident follows Coote’s suspension on November 12 by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after a controversial video surfaced, in which he reportedly made derogatory remarks about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. The PGMOL, alongside the FA, has initiated investigations into this matter.

Adding to the scrutiny, Coote is also under investigation by UEFA after another video surfaced, allegedly showing him using cocaine during the European Championship event earlier this year.

Concerning the yellow card allegations during the Leeds match, the PGMOL emphasized the importance of establishing the facts due to the gravity of the claims made against Coote. “We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any breach of our Integrity Code of Conduct,” a PGMOL statement indicated. They reassured that the organization is resolute in taking appropriate measures should any violations of that code be substantiated.