Premier League referee David Coote has been dismissed by the referees’ governing body, the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), following a “thorough investigation” into his conduct.
Coote, 42, had been suspended by the PGMOL on 11 November, pending a full investigation, after a video surfaced on social media allegedly showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and its former manager, Jurgen Klopp.
Two days later, further allegations emerged, including photos published by The Sun, which suggested Coote was caught on camera sniffing a white powder through a rolled-up U.S. bank note during this summer’s European Championship. The PGMOL opened an additional investigation, and the pictures and video have not been independently verified by the BBC.
The PGMOL stated that Coote’s actions had made his position “untenable,” and the organization emphasized that his conduct had violated the terms of his employment contract. “David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract,” said the PGMOL.
Despite the dismissal, the PGMOL reaffirmed its commitment to Coote’s welfare, stating, “Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us.” Coote has the right to appeal the decision.
How did we get here?
The controversy surrounding David Coote began on 11 November when a video was shared online in which he appeared to criticize Liverpool and Klopp, referring to a Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Klopp had publicly criticized Coote after that game for failing to award fouls on challenges against Liverpool players, prompting the FA to launch an investigation.
On 13 November, the PGMOL expanded its inquiry following the publication of the photos, which allegedly showed Coote using a white powder. As Coote was also officiating at the European Championship, UEFA, the governing body of European football, suspended him pending its own investigation.
Then, on 27 November, the FA initiated another investigation after claims emerged that Coote had discussed giving a yellow card prior to a Championship match between Leeds and West Brom in 2019. Coote strongly denied the accusation, calling it “false and defamatory.” It is important to note that there is no suggestion of any financial wrongdoing, and the yellow card given to Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski in that match was deemed entirely appropriate.
As of now, the PGMOL has dismissed David Coote from his role, and the investigations into his actions continue.
