David Coote sacked by PGMOL after damaging videos and messages about Premier League referee leaked
The PGMOL has terminated referee David Coote's contract following damaging videos and messages posted online.
Images of Coote first appeared on social media. x rated comments about former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who he called a “German imbecile”.
The 42-year-old was suspended before another video of him was released. snort white powder during Euro 2024.
It is then alleged that Coote had discussed giving a yellow card Before and after the match between Leeds United and West Brom.
In addition to this, he allegedly sent messages about organizing a 'drug party' during the Carabao Cup match between Tottenham and Manchester City in October.
A statement from PGMOL reads: “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 deemed to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, and his position was deemed untenable.
“Supporting David Coote remains important to us and we remain committed to his well-being.
“David Coote has the right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment.”
Coote has refereed 112 Premier League matches during his career, with his first appearance coming in April 2018.
He has also refereed in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Following the revelation of the yellow card allegations, Coote issued a statement saying: “I strongly reject these false and defamatory allegations.
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“Whatever problems I 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.”
This particular allegation raised questions about the integrity of football and Coote's friend, who leaked the story to The Sun, said: “My first contact with David Coote was online.
“When I spoke to him a little more, I discovered his work as a soccer referee.
“I jokingly told him to give (Ezgjan) Alioski a yellow card in Leeds United's game the next day against West Bromwich Albion, so I could back this up at the bookmakers.
“He sarcastically responded: 'Haha, we'll see.' The next day, just 18 minutes into the game, Alioski was booked.”
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“It was Leeds' only yellow card in the game. He messaged me a little while after the game and said, 'I hope you backed up what we discussed.'”
Coote's most recent Premier League match as a referee was Liverpool's 2-0 win against Aston Villa in November.
