PGMOL sacks David Coote after overwhelming evidences

PGMOL fires ref David Coote over serious misconduct after videos and allegations surface, including inappropriate behavior & potential match-fixing.

David Coote has been fired by the PGMOL following videos of his embarrassing rant about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

The PGMOL fired Premier League referee David Coote after two video evidences revealed serious violations of employment terms.

A video surfaced recently of former Premier League match official Coote referring to former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool as a bunch of S***, and he appeared to be under the influence of unknown substances at the time.

Coote had been under investigation since the rant video surfaced, but The Sun published another not long afterward, showing the former referee snorting a white substance while officiating at Euro 2024. The authorities immediately suspended Coote before summarily dismissing him on Monday.

PGMOL issued a statement announcing the termination of David Coote's employment with immediate effect, following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into his conduct. PGMOL found David Coote's actions to be a serious breach of his employment contract, deeming his position untenable.

"Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us, and we remain committed to his welfare," PGMOL said. "David Coote has a right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment." However, the referee body provided assistance in various capacities to facilitate the rehabilitation of the former referee.

While the PGMOL confirmed Coote wasn’t dismissed for any of the two videos, he was sacked due to his general conduct, which falls way short of the standard required amidst public scrutiny of the referee body over recent on-field decisions.

Beyond the current allegations, the English FA is also investigating Coote for a potential match-fixing allegation after more evidence surfaced of him talking about a booking involving former Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski in a game against West Brom.

David Coote has the right to appeal his dismissal, and he has up to next week to do so or accept the decision of his former employers.