Official was first suspended by the PGMOL on Monday after first video leaked
Have you spoken with David Coote or do you have videos of him? Contact: sam.brookes@mailonline.co.uk
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By TUM BALOGUN
Published: 11:03 EST, 9 December 2024 | Updated: 11:03 EST, 9 December 2024
The PGMOL, the body responsible for refereeing games in England, has sacked David Coote following an investigation into a video which showed him making disparaging comments about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp, and another which appeared to show the official snorting white powder during Euro 2024.
Coote was suspended on Monday after footage from the first leaked video - which appears to be from several years ago - showed him calling then-Reds boss Klopp a 'German ****' and 'f***ing arrogant'.
A second video was published by the Sun on Wednesday night which allegedly shows Coote using a rolled-up bank note to inhale the powder.
The PGMOL launched a probe, which involved determining whether the initial video was a deep-fake or made using artificial intelligence. They have now confirmed that Coote, who has been an official in the top-flight since 2018, has been dismissed.
The referee's body said in a statement via Sky: '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.'
The astonishing initial video, which went viral on social media, appeared to show Coote looking worse for wear as he delivered an explicit rant about the Merseyside club.
'Liverpool were s***,' said the man alleged to be Coote in the video. '(Klopp is a) ****, absolute ****. Aside from having a right pop at me when I was refereeing them against Burnley in lockdown, he accused me of lying and then had a right f***ing pop of me.
David Coote has been sacked after a leaked video showed him making disparaging comments about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp
The PGMOL suspended Coote on Monday and launched an investigation into the matter. Pictured: PGMOL boss Howard Webb
Coote referee had a number of run ins with the former Reds boss during his time in the top-flight
'I have no interest in speaking to someone who is f***ing arrogant. So I do my best not to speak to him. (James) Milner is all right, I get on with him. You can see me there with a 'mask' on. But, my god, German ****, f*** me.'
In a second video, the man added: 'Just to be clear, that f***ing last video cannot go anywhere, seriously.'
The video was allegedly recorded back in 2020 after Liverpool's controversial 1-1 draw against Burnley, which saw Andy Robertson angrily confront the English referee after not being awarded a penalty.
Wednesday's leaked video was reportedly sent to the publication by a friend of the referee, and filmed by the official at a hotel paid for by UEFA during their flagship international competition this year.
His friend reportedly claims Coote made disparaging remarks about Everton, including calling Goodison Park the worst place to officiate due to fans 'shouting abuse so close to the pitch'.
The friend also alleges Coote labelled Liverpool defender Andy Robertson a 'Scottish p****', while saying in video chats that the Anfield club would 'not win the Premier League' this season.
Coote began his referee journey at the age of 14, where he started as a lineman. In 2010 he was promoted to the list of Football League referees in 2010. His first major game in charge came in the 2014 League One play-off final at Wembley Stadium.
In 2018, Coote reached the pinnacle of being a referee when he officiated his first Premier League game between Newcastle and West Brom. He was a FIFA-listed referee between September 2020 and March 2022.
On Wednesday a video emerged of the suspended Premier League referee allegedly snorting white powder in a hotel room
Coote (pictured topless from a separate video) has also been accused of making disparaging remarks about Everton Football Club and Liverpool defender Andy Robertson
The footage appears to be taken after Coote officiated Liverpool's controversial 1-1 draw against Burnley in 2020, when Andy Robertson was left furious at the Premier League referee
Coote has been involved in a number of controversial calls, the latest came last weekend during Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. He had plenty of run-ins with Klopp, who left Anfield at the end of last campaign.
Midway through last season during Arsenal's clash with Liverpool in December, Klopp vented his fury at Coote and the rest of the match officials after his side were denied a penalty despite Martin Odegaard appearing to handle the ball inside the 18-yard box.
Chris Kavanagh, who was the match referee, waved play on and the game was not stopped for a VAR check by the officials, with Coote confident that the Norwegian only handled the ball in the act of falling, which isn't deemed punishable by the Premier League's rules.
'Yes I have seen it,' Klopp fumed after the game. 'I am pretty sure someone will come to explain it to me why it was not a handball but I don't know how? I don't say that the ref can see it because I don't know where he was in that moment.'
Referring to Coote's role in the incident, he added: 'But how can a guy in an office see that and not come to the conclusion that maybe, possibly it could be worth the referee having another look?'
Howard Webb, head of PGMOL, subsequently admitted that Kavanagh and Coote made a mistake by not awarding Liverpool a penalty during the 1-1 draw.