Former PGMOL boss calls for extreme measures with referee's image in tatters after David Coote storm
A former PGMOL boss has backed a controversial policy that could repair referees' “tarnished” reputation.
The bold decision comes amid the publication of two controversial videos featuring Premier League referee David Coote.
Footage of Coote attacking former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was published on mondayin which the official called the German “fucking arrogant” and a “German bastard.”
Coote was suspended with immediate effect by the group Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which has also launched an investigation into the matter alongside the Football Association (FA).
The referee was also removed by UEFA from its match list ahead of this week's Nations League matches, and the European governing body has since launched an ethical and disciplinary investigation into his conduct.
another videoobtained by the sunappeared Wednesday and shows Coote holding a rolled-up U.S. bank note while appearing to snort a white powder.
The Sun reports that the video was taken on July 6, a day after Spain played Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, a match in which Coote was a VAR support official.
Speaking exclusively on talkSPORT White and JordanFormer PGMOL boss Keith Hackett admitted Coote is a “bad apple” but doesn't think it's fair to tar all referees with the same brush.
Hackett, who headed the PGMOL from 2004 to 2010, also revealed that he introduced two major policies during his tenure.
The first was to ban PGMOL referees from betting on football matches around the world, a policy that was “immediately accepted”.
“Then I got into the realm of WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) and drug testing,” Hackett said.
“I had no suspicions at the time and I'm not being smart now. But, in the future, they will have to keep this in mind.”
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Hackett added: “David Coote's actions are quite incredible and have tarnished the image of refereeing. This affects referees at all levels of the game. It calls into question his integrity.
“You rarely meet a referee as stupid as David Coote. I can't think of any other case. Apart from, obviously, we had Bobby Madley.
“The PGMOL has a very strict regime that ensures the care of the referees and verifies the integrity of its operation.”
White pressed Hackett on whether he still believed referees should undergo drug testing.
While Hackett admitted his stance may be “extreme”, it would provide the transparency and clarity many football fans are looking for.
“I think I would include it just as a defense mechanism,” Hackett said.
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“It may seem extreme. Just put up a barrier.
“I am surprised by the fact that there is a video that we have all seen. I am absolutely stunned that this could happen to a professional athlete. “That's what referees are.”
Coote has been a Premier League official since 2018 and refereed Liverpool's most recent Premier League match last Saturday when they beat Aston Villa 2-0.
What Coote said about Liverpool and Klopp
Transcription of the first video published…
first man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game when you were the fourth official?”
coote: “Erm, Liverpool were shit.”
first man: “What did you think of Jürgen Klopp?”
coote: “C***, absolute shit.”
first man: “Why would you say Jurgen Klopp is wrong?”
Coote: “Erm, apart from punching me when I refereed against Burnley in the lockdown. Then he accused me of lying and then punched me, and I have no interest in talking to someone fucking arrogant. So I do my best to not talking to him (James) Milner is fine, I get on well with Milner.”
first man: “James Milner, he gets along with James Milner.”
Coote: “You can see me there with the mask on.”
first man: “Mask on, obviously.”
Coote: “Yes, Covid, it has to be done. Social distancing, right? We're two meters apart.”
first man: “We have to socially distance.”
Coote: “Yes, yes, but (exhales) Oh my God. German, fuck, fuck me.”
first man: “Simply put, Jurgen Klopp's a***, Liverpool are all fucking bastards, we hate the Scousers.”
