David Coote was seen for the first time since he was sacked by the PGMOL earlier this week. He'd been under investigation following a leaked video where he purportedly insulted former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp with an offensive remark.
His termination was confirmed on Monday, and he's since been spotted hitting the gym in the Midlands, donning a pink hoodie and black joggers, while clutching a water bottle and what might be a cuppa. When announcing Coote's dismissal, PGMOL disclosed that he'd "seriously breached" his contract.
In their statement, they said: "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."
The referee saga began back in November when Coote was suspended by the PGMOL after calling Klopp a "German c***" and disparaging Liverpool in a resurfaced video clip, reports the Mirror.
Coote found himself embroiled in further controversy when footage emerged of him purportedly inhaling a white substance. UEFA had already sidelined Coote from their roster for a Nations League fixture during the international break last month, and now FIFA is scrutinising his part-time role with them.
David Coote has been seen out in public for the first time since being fired by the PGMOL
David Coote has been seen out in public for the first time since being fired by the PGMOL (Image: BACKGRID)
David Coote was fired by the PGMOL for misconduct after a video of him insulting Jurgen Klopp emerged online
David Coote was fired by the PGMOL for misconduct after a video of him insulting Jurgen Klopp emerged online (Image: BACKGRID)
The initial furore erupted in November following the circulation of a video on social media, which was recorded years earlier, showing Coote making derogatory remarks about Klopp, labelling him "f***ing arrogant" and branding Liverpool as "s***". Another clip surfaced shortly after, capturing Coote seemingly snorting a white powder mere hours after he served as a VAR official for France's quarter-final penalty triumph against Portugal at the European Championship in the summer.
These two incidents have led to Coote's dismissal by the PGMOL, yet the Football Association is still investigating another matter.
The FA initiated an inquiry into gambling-related misconduct after allegations surfaced that Coote had spoken about issuing a yellow card prior to officiating a Championship game between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion in October 2019. It was claimed that Coote had a conversation with a supporter online about booking Leeds defender Ezgjan Alioski before the match commenced.
While Coote has remained silent on the videos concerning Klopp and the white powder, he has contested the accusations linked to the betting investigation. He acknowledges that a "conversation" occurred but vehemently denies any impropriety.
He asserted in a statement: "I strongly refute these false and defamatory allegations. 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."
When the incident came to light last month, the FA announced they were looking into the "very serious allegations as a matter of urgency", complemented by a statement from the PGMOL regarding the betting controversy. They commented: "The facts need to be established in light of these very serious allegations. We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any breach of our Integrity Code of Conduct, which is signed by all match officials on an annual basis."
"PGMOL Board is committed to taking the appropriate action should any breach of that Code be proven. David Coote remains suspended and subject to an ongoing disciplinary process by PGMOL, separate to the investigation into this matter which will be carried out independently by the FA."