Premier League match referee David Coote was sacked on Monday after his position was deemed ‘untenable’ by English football’s refereeing body following an investigation into his conduct.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited suspended Coote on 12 November as it investigated a video, published by The Sun newspaper, circulating in which he made offensive comments to friends about former Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp.
Since then, UEFA has also launched an investigation into Coote following a video, also published by The Sun, which allegedly showed him using cocaine during this year’s European Championship.
Coote is also under investigation by the Football Association following allegations that he discussed with a fan the possibility of giving a yellow card to a player during a match. Coote denies any wrongdoing, according to The Sun.
The PGMOL issued a statement saying that Coote’s employment was terminated with immediate effect following the conclusion of his investigation.
His ‘actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable,’ the arbitration body said.
‘Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his well-being.’ Coote has the right to appeal the decision.
Two videos, apparently shot with a phone, have circulated on social media and appear to show Coote expressing his personal opinion about Liverpool and Klopp, his former long-time coach, when asked by another unidentified man.
The person who appears to be Coote uses an expletive for Liverpool and a derogatory term for Klopp, saying that he disliked the German coach because he was ‘arrogant’ and ‘accused me of lying’ after a game.
It was not immediately clear when the clip was filmed and whether it was manipulated. In another shorter clip, apparently shot after the other, the two participants emphasise the importance of not sharing the footage.
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