Premier League referee David Coote has been dismissed by the referees’ body, the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), after a “thorough investigation” into his conduct concluded his position had become “untenable.”
The PGMOL cited that Coote’s actions were found to be in “serious breach” of his employment contract. The decision follows a series of allegations that led to his suspension starting on November 11.
The investigation was triggered by three main incidents:
- Derogatory Video: A video circulated on social media allegedly showed Coote, 42, making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager, Jürgen Klopp. The comments were reportedly in reference to a Premier League match he officiated between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020, where Klopp had criticized Coote for failing to call fouls.
- White Powder Allegation: A subsequent investigation was opened after unverified photos, allegedly taken during the summer’s European Championship, appeared to show Coote sniffing a white powder through a rolled-up bank note. UEFA also suspended Coote pending its own investigation.
- Betting/Match Fixing Allegation: The FA opened a third investigation into an allegation that Coote had discussed giving a yellow card before a 2019 Championship match between Leeds and West Brom. While Coote denied the allegation as “false and defamatory” and the booking in question was deemed correct, the PGMOL stated the totality of his actions resulted in his termination.
Coote has the right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment. The PGMOL added that supporting Coote remains important to them, and they are committed to his welfare.
