Premier League official David Coote has been dismissed by the referees’ body, the PGMOL, following a “thorough investigation” into his conduct.
Coote, 42, was suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) last month while a full investigation took place, after a video allegedly showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp, was circulated on social media. Later in November, a separate clip surfaced, showing him appearing to snort a white powder in a hotel room during his officiating at last summer’s Euros.
As a result, Coote was stood down from officiating European matches by UEFA. Further developments saw the FA confirm that he was under investigation for potential betting breaches, following allegations that he exchanged messages with a friend before a 2019 Leeds United match against West Bromwich Albion, in which he was asked to book the home side’s Ezgjan Alioski.
The PGMOL has now confirmed the termination of the Nottinghamshire official’s employment in a statement issued on Monday afternoon. The statement explained that the investigation had concluded Coote was “in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable.”
The full statement from the PGMOL read: “Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into Coote’s conduct, his employment with PGMOL has been terminated today with immediate effect. Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable.
“Supporting Coote continues to be important to us, and we remain committed to his welfare.
“Coote has a right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment.”
