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The outcome of a PGMOL investigation into referee David Coote has been confirmed today.
Premier League referee David Coote has been dismissed by the PGMOL after an investigation into a video that allegedly showed the official making an expletive rant about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The clip was widely circulated on social media last month and caused major controversy. The PGMOL provided an update on Monday in a statement that 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."
Coote in charge for West Ham vs Man Utd penalty blunder
The Hammers won that match 2-1 thanks to a late Jarrod Bowen penalty, which was awarded after a coming together between Danny Ings and Matthijs de Ligt. That result proved the final blow for Erik ten Hag, who was sacked by the Red Devils afterwards.
After the result, referees' chief Howard Web admitted that the penalty decision was a mistake. Speaking to Sky Sports' Mic'd Up programme, Webb said: "I thought it was a misread by the VAR. A VAR that's normally really talented and reliable, but gets uber-focused in this situation on De Ligt's leg. His leg coming through onto Danny Ings, not making any contact with the ball. The ball's already past De Ligt as he as he makes contact with Danny Ings.
David Coote has been dismissed by the PGMOL.David Coote has been dismissed by the PGMOL.
David Coote has been dismissed by the PGMOL. | Getty Images
"And the VAR sees that as a clear foul. I think he was too focused on that aspect. I don't think he should have got involved. I think this is a situation where we'd leave the on-field decision as it is, probably whichever way it's called. On balance, I don't think it's a penalty kick."
Coote was instructed to watch the incident again on the monitor but could still have stuck to his original decision - although that has become a very rare result after VAR has intervened, which Webb went on to lament. He said: "They are told that they are absolutely within their rights to keep their decision when they go to the screen."
Coote was also in charge of Tottenham Hotspur's capitulation against Brighton at the AMEX Stadium and for the 0-0 draw between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park. The official is yet to referee any fixture involving London sides Arsenal and Chelsea this term. The referee last officiated a Gunners match when Mikel Arteta's side beat AFC Bournemouth 3-0 in May. His last Chelsea game was a defeat to Wolves on Christmas Eve last year.
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Referee had ‘vehemently’ denied controversial video
In the viral video, Coote appeared to launch a personal attack on Klopp, calling the former Liverpool manager a 'German ****' and 'f***ing arrogant'. The Mirror had reported that the referee 'vehemently' denied 'inappropriate conduct' and was contesting the legitimacy of the video.
In the video, the man alleged to be Coote said: "Liverpool were s**. [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.
"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."
The fixture which is referenced in the video appears to be the 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Burnley in 2020. Klopp's side dropped points for the first time at home that season in that fixture, in which Liverpool felt they should have been awarded a penalty.
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