Premier League referee David Coote sacked with immediate effect
Premier League Referee David Coote Sacked by PGMOL After Investigation
David Coote, a Premier League referee, has been dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following an investigation into allegations of misconduct.
The decision comes after Coote was initially suspended in November when a video surfaced online, allegedly showing him making derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager, Jürgen Klopp. After a thorough investigation, PGMOL deemed his actions a serious breach of contract, making his position untenable.
“After completing a detailed investigation into David Coote’s conduct, his employment with PGMOL has been terminated with immediate effect,” read a statement from the organization.
Multiple Allegations
The controversy surrounding Coote deepened when The Sun published a video purportedly showing him appearing to snort a white powder while serving as a match official at Euro 2024. UEFA quickly suspended Coote and began their own investigation.
Additionally, the Football Association (FA) launched an inquiry into claims that Coote had discussed booking a player ahead of a game during a private conversation. While Coote denied these allegations, the incident added to the mounting scrutiny.
PGMOL’s Support
Despite the decision to terminate his employment, PGMOL emphasized their commitment to Coote’s welfare. “Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us, and we remain committed to his well-being,” the statement concluded.
Coote, 42, retains the right to appeal the decision, but the incident marks a significant and controversial end to his career in English football officiating.
