David Coote will not appeal against the termination of his contract by referees’ body PGMOL.
[Coote was sacked earlier this month after the emergence of a video](https://www.football.london/premier-league/david-coote-sacked-pgmol-after-30547879) in which he made derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp. Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said that a thorough investigation had concluded he was “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,” PGMOL’s statement on December 9 added. Coote had the right to appeal against the decision but PA understands the Nottinghamshire referee has decided not to.
The video which triggered PGMOL’s investigation into Coote’s conduct first came to public attention on November 11. In it, Coote is asked for his views on a Liverpool match where he has just been fourth official, and describes them as “s\*\*\*”. He also described Klopp as a "German c\*\*\*". Shortly afterward, another video was released showing Coote 'sniffing a white substance' during Euro 2024
Coote remains the subject of a separate Football Association (FA) investigation over an alleged betting breach. The allegations, reported by The Sun, relate to a booking received by Leeds United's Ezgjan Alioski from Coote during their Championship game with West Brom in 2019.
UEFA suspended Coote from refereeing in its competitions on the same day as the PGMOL. Coote has denied any wrongdoing and said the allegations was 'false and defamatory'.
"I strongly refute these false and defamatory allegations," Coote said. "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, meanwhile, said in a statement: "These are very serious allegations and we are investigating as a matter of urgency."