David Coote has been sacked as a Premier League referee by the PGMOL following a succession of scandals about his conduct.
A statement read: “Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into David Coote’s conduct, his employment with PGMOL has been terminated today with immediate effect.
“David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable.a
“Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare. David Coote has a right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment.”
The 42-year-old was suspended by the PGMOL in November for calling former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp a “German c***” after an old video clip went viral on social media. He was also seen in the same clip allegedly calling Liverpool “s***”. Coote was then the subject of further controversy when a clip of him allegedly snorting a white powder was also leaked.
UEFA had already removed Coote from their match list for a Nations League game during the international break last month. FIFA are also looking into his part-time position with them.
The initial scandal broke in November after a video, which was recorded several years ago, of Coote surfaced on social media showing him calling Klopp “f***ing arrogant” and describing Liverpool as “s***”.
Another video then leaked of Coote appearing to snort a line of white powder, hours after working as a VAR for France’s quarter-final shootout win over Portugal at the European Championship in the summer. Those are the two allegations which have seen Coote sacked by the PGMOL, but the Football Association is continuing to look into another.
David Coote was filmed insulting ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp
The FA launched a betting probe after Coote allegedly discussed giving a yellow card before refereeing a Championship fixture between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion in October 2019. It was alleged that Coote discussed booking Leeds defender Ezgjan Alioski with a fan online before taking charge of the match.
Coote has not commented on the Klopp or white powder videos, but has refuted the allegations surrounding the betting probe. He accepts that a “conversation” took place but has denied any wrongdoing.
He said in a statement: “I strongly refute these false and defamatory allegations. 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.”
At the time of the incident emerging last month, the FA said it was investigating the “very serious allegations as a matter of urgency”, while the PGMOL also put out a statement on the alleged betting controversy. They said: “The facts need to be established in light of these very serious allegations. We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any breach of our Integrity Code of Conduct, which is signed by all match officials on an annual basis.
“PGMOL Board is committed to taking the appropriate action should any breach of that Code be proven. David Coote remains suspended and subject to an ongoing disciplinary process by PGMOL, separate to the investigation into this matter which will be carried out independently by the FA.”