The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) has sacked Premier League referee, David Coote after a video of Coote emerged last month appearing to show him insult Liverpool and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp.
The footage, which was posted to social media in November, appears to have been filmed in the wake of Liverpool’s’ 7-2 thrashing at Aston Villa in October 2020.
Another video was also released in which Coote appeared to snort white powder in footage allegedly filmed during Euro 2024, where he officiated.
An eight-second film allegedly showing him with a rolled-up banknote was said to have been taken 24 hours after he provided VAR assistance for France’s quarter-final win over Portugal, played in Hamburg on July 5.
The first video, reportedly shared via WhatsApp by Coote, shows white powder on a bedside table alongside prescription drugs, a credit card and the Terry Hayes novel The Year of the Locust.
The footage was believed to have been taken in a Uefa-funded hotel room. A separate photo sent from Frankfurt on July 1 allegedly shows Coote’s credit cards on a saucer either side of six lines of powder.
The English Football Association (FA) also in November launched an investigation into allegations that Mr Coote discussed giving a yellow card ahead of a match. Mr Coote insisted nothing improper took place.
However, PGMOL in a statement on Monday disclosed thorough investigations into David Coote’s conduct have been concluded and that his actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment
The statement reads: “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.
“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”.