Premier League referee David Coote has been dismissed by the referees’ body, PGMOL, following a “thorough investigation” into his conduct.
Coote, 42, was suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) on November 11 after a video allegedly showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and the club’s former manager, Jurgen Klopp, surfaced on social media.
Two days later, a second investigation was launched after The Sun published photos reportedly taken during this summer’s European Championship. The images allegedly show Coote sniffing a white powder through a rolled-up U.S. banknote.
PGMOL described Coote’s actions as making his position “untenable.”
“David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment,” the PGMOL stated.
“Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us, and we remain committed to his welfare.”
Coote retains the right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment.
Separately, the Football Association (FA) has been investigating allegations that Coote discussed issuing a yellow card before a 2019 Championship match between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion. Coote has denied the accusation, calling it “false and defamatory.”
Additional reporting by the BBC.
