Referee David Coote has been sacked after being embroiled in a series of controversies, including alleged derogatory comments about ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
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David Coote
David Coote has been sacked by PGMOL(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
David Coote has been dismissed in the wake of his apparent abuse of Jurgen Klopp. The 42-year-old was suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) last month for appearing to call former Liverpool boss a "German c***" after an old video clip went viral on social media.
In the same clip, Coote allegedly called the Reds "s***". The official was the subject of more controversy when a clip of him allegedly snorting a white powder came into the public domain.
The PGMOL confirmed he has been sacked in a statement on Monday. The referees’ body said that an investigation had concluded he was “in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable”. Here's a round-up of an additional allegation, the PGMOL's statement and reaction to the saga surrounding Coote from former officials...
READ MORE: David Coote SACKED after Liverpool comments as PGMOL make statementREAD MORE: David Coote’s last game screened on TV following Liverpool fixture disruption
Reaction to new allegations
Following the Liverpool-related video which led to his suspension, Coote was at the centre of a separate allegation that he had discussed giving a yellow card with a supporter before a Championship game in 2019.
Coote was alleged to have exchanged messages with a fan about issuing a caution before and after a game between Leeds and West Brom. The exchange referred to Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski being booked by Coote during the match.
There is no suggestion that Coote financially gained from the decision, which was deemed correct at the time. In response to the allegation, he said: “I strongly refute these false and defamatory allegations.
David Coote
David Coote has denied claims he discussed booking a Leeds player with a fan
"Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life they have never affected my decision-making on the field. I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability."
The FA said it was investigating the claims “as a matter of urgency”. That probe is still ongoing.
Premier League statement
The PGMOL confirmed Coote’s sacking in a statement shared on the Premier League’s website. It read: "Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into David Coote’s conduct, his employment with PGMOL has been terminated today with immediate effect.
"David Coote’s 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. David Coote has a right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment."
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp speaks to referee David Coote after the Premier League match against Burnley at Anfield on July 11 2020
Jurgen Klopp speaks to David Coote after the Premier League match against Burnley in July 2020
Ex-refs pile in
The controversy could not have come at a worse time for English football, according to Jeff Winter. The ex-Premier League referee believes trust between officials and supporters has been undermined as a result.
Winter told Freebets in November: “Now everybody is sharing their views and there's a lot of hatred, and nastiness out there. The refereeing on the pitch, the interpretation of laws, the chopping and changing, VAR, none of this has helped the referees.
“Aspects away from the pitch that we've seen with David Coote recently is only going to add fuel to the fires. I would say the relationship between referees and players, referees and managers, and referees and spectators, is probably at an all-time low.”
Jeff Winter
Jeff Winter believes trust between fans and referees has been damaged
One of Coote’s former colleagues, John Moss, described the Nottinghamshire official as “hardworking and diligent” as he defended the reputation of English officials.
Moss told The Athletic: “What the public have to realise is that for a number of years English match officials have been held in high esteem right around the world because they’ve never been involved in match fixing or anything like that. These people are dedicated to the profession and they work really hard.
“Unfortunately, these stories, whether you believe them or not, will undoubtedly cause damage. Some fans already had that perception of referees and this will add fuel to the fire.”