David Coote sacked by PGMOL after damaging videos and messages about Premier League referee leaked
The PGMOL has terminated the contract of referee David Coote following damaging videos and messages posted online. Footage first emerged on social media of Coote’s x-rated comments about former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who he called a ‘German c***’. Coote has had his refereeing role terminated by the PGMOLGetty The 42-year-old was suspended before another video was released of him snorting white powder during Euro 2024. Coote was then alleged to have discussed giving a yellow card before and after a match between Leeds United and West Brom. As well as this, he reportedly sent messages abut organising a ‘drugs party’ during Tottenham and Manchester City’s Carabao Cup match in October. A PGMOL 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.” Coote has refereed 112 Premier League matches during his career, with his first outing coming in April 2018. He has also officiated in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Upon the revelation of the yellow card allegations, Coote released a statement saying: “I strongly refute these false and defamatory allegations. One of the videos shows Coote snorting a white powderThe Sun “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.” This allegation in particular raised questions over the integrity of football with Coote’s friend, who leaked the story to The Sun, saying: “My first contact with David Coote was online. “When I got talking to him a bit more, I found out about his job as a football referee. “I jokingly told him to give [Ezgjan] Alioski a yellow card in the Leeds United game the following day against West Bromwich Albion, so I could back this in the bookies. “He sarcastically replied, ‘Haha will see’. Just 18 minutes into the game the next day Alioski was booked.” Coote was suspended last month following his x-ranted comments about KloppGetty “It was Leeds’ only yellow card in the match. He messaged me a while after the game and said, ‘I hope you backed as discussed.'” Coote’s most recent Premier League match as referee was Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Aston Villa in November.
The PGMOL has terminated the contract of referee David Coote following damaging videos and messages posted online.
Footage first emerged on social media of Coote’s x-rated comments about former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who he called a ‘German c***’.
The 42-year-old was suspended before another video was released of him snorting white powder during Euro 2024.
Coote was then alleged to have discussed giving a yellow card before and after a match between Leeds United and West Brom.
As well as this, he reportedly sent messages abut organising a ‘drugs party’ during Tottenham and Manchester City’s Carabao Cup match in October.
A PGMOL 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.”
Coote has refereed 112 Premier League matches during his career, with his first outing coming in April 2018.
He has also officiated in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Upon the revelation of the yellow card allegations, Coote released a statement saying: “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.”
This allegation in particular raised questions over the integrity of football with Coote’s friend, who leaked the story to The Sun, saying: “My first contact with David Coote was online.
“When I got talking to him a bit more, I found out about his job as a football referee.
“I jokingly told him to give [Ezgjan] Alioski a yellow card in the Leeds United game the following day against West Bromwich Albion, so I could back this in the bookies.
“He sarcastically replied, ‘Haha will see’. Just 18 minutes into the game the next day Alioski was booked.”
“It was Leeds’ only yellow card in the match. He messaged me a while after the game and said, ‘I hope you backed as discussed.'”
Coote’s most recent Premier League match as referee was Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Aston Villa in November.
What's Your Reaction?
