Culture Society, Identity and Belonging
Suspended Premier League referee David Coote’s slide into disgrace has been steep and merciless. A leaked video earlier this month showed him insulting Liverpool FC and manager Jürgen Klopp. Another leaked clip appeared to show him snorting white powder.
The Sun now reports seeing text messages between a fan and Coote, which straddle a 2019 Leeds match which Coote was officiating.
Before the game, the fan jokingly suggested Coote should give Leeds defender Ezgjan Alioski a yellow card so he could place a bet on it. When the match comes, Alioski makes a poor challenge and gets a yellow. But afterwards Coote messaged: “I hope you backed as discussed.” The FA are now investigating.
With a furious audience feeling vindicated and thirsty for blood on social media and in the stands, it could not be worse for other referees. The ongoing debacle highlights both growing mistrust in the referee body PGMOL, and the tight grip betting has on football. Coote has denied wrongdoing.