Leeds involved in ‘shocking’ new controversy – ex-FIFA official
Keith Hackett has slammed the “shocking” latest allegation made against David Coote that has dragged Leeds United into the controversy.
The Sun reported on Tuesday (26 November) that Coote allegedly discussed with a friend giving a yellow card to Ezgjan Alioski ahead of Leeds’ clash with West Brom in 2019.
Coote has categorically denied any wrongdoing and the Football Association is now investigating the matter, which is the latest in a long line of controversies involving the official.
Former FIFA official and PGMOL chief Hackett is dismayed at this latest development.
He exclusively told MOT Leeds News: “My first thought is for the welfare of David Coote and the responsibility that the PGMOL have to ensure that they are delivering the appropriate Duty of Care towards their employee.
“The whole scenario is shocking and this further revelation is adding to the list of matters to be investigated. This will of course impact on the time that it will take for the investigation team to reach a decision.
“Whilst referees prepare for the game ahead the idea of having a pre-conceived idea that a certain player is likely to get a yellow card is frankly unacceptable and something I have not come across in my career of managing officials.”
Hackett added: “The aim of a referee is to keep 22 players on the field and this is achieved by been pro-active using an array of management skills. I expect every referee who crosses that white line to officiate a game to have a blank canvas in front of them.
“The players start to paint the pictures and you deal with incidents by applying the law accurately. It takes many years to reach the elite panel with 30,000 referees in England and only 20 places on the panel of Premier League referees.
“I find it puzzling why anyone would want to put a career at risk given what David Coote is accused of.“
Leeds United and West Brom dragged into David Coote controversy
It goes without saying that Coote’s actions are quite simply unacceptable, although it must be stressed he denies wrongdoing in this instance.
The match itself was five years ago and supporters will inevitably wonder what other decisions were made that day.
Referees have a bad reputation in this country and stories such as these do little to help that.
Coote has a lot to answer for. In the meantime, as Hackett says, it is important the PGMOL give him all the support he needs during this media frenzy.
Hopefully this is the last in a growing list of controversies.
In other Leeds United news, Joel Piroe was caught up in a strange moment against Luton Town.
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