Inquiry into referee culture required after shocking David Coote videos – but witch hunt not necessary

An investigation into the refereeing culture in the Premier League is necessary after the publication of the two David Coote videos.

That's the view of talkSPORT's Hugh Woozencroft, who believes Coote's behavior shows that Professional Game Match Officials Ltd needs to take a deeper look at what could be a bigger problem within the organisation.

Earlier this week, images posted on X purportedly showed Premier League referee Coote. make X-rated comments about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp.

Then, two days after being suspended from duty by the PGMOL and UEFA, new images of Coote allegedly inhaling a white substancewhich is believed to be cocaine, emerged at Euro 2024.

In response, the PGMOL said: “We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation.

“David's wellbeing remains of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the necessary and ongoing support he needs during this period. We are not in a position to comment further at this time.”

But Woozencroft says the agency will have to go beyond simply investigating Coote.

Reacting to Wednesday's second video, he said on the Kick Off: “I think it's imperative that we hear something sooner rather than later from PGMOL.

“We cannot allow this body to remain silent. It is very important to know that we have integrity to move forward.

“We can't go back to the Premier League, although I think it's come at the right time for them in terms of the international break and giving them a bit of time with their referees outside the spotlight of English football to find out what's been going on.

“(They need to) ask all the referees, not just David Coote, we have to find out now. What is the life of a referee really like? Does this happen because of the pressures in the game?

“Are those comments about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp due to what is happening on the side?

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“Is there a solution to this that can help all officials sooner rather than later and hopefully football as a whole?

“But they need to tell us what they know as soon as possible, and I think that's fair to football fans.”

talkSPORT chief football correspondent Alex Crook agreed, saying: “We need an update on where their investigation stands.

“I think we need official confirmation that David Coote admitted that the first video was authentic.”

But while he believes Coote needs to be investigated, Crook believes a “witch hunt” against him should be avoided.

He continued: “Some clarity is needed. It's not an easy situation for Howard Webb at a time when referees are probably being scrutinized more than ever.

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“A lot of it has been brought on themselves, but you make a very good point. We don't know the pressures that come with being a high-level referee.

“Some of the language that David Coote used in that video, although we do not agree with it, is clearly unacceptable from someone in his position, I imagine he would claim that he has been subjected to similar language while carrying out his refereeing responsibilities. .

“So maybe this is just a sign that a guy is under intense pressure and he's broken under that pressure.

“I hope that wherever you are tonight, you get the help you need. There is a danger here that this could turn into a witch hunt.

“And that doesn't help anyone.”

Former Chelsea and Charlton star Scott Minto was alongside Woozencroft in the studio, and believes that while Coote's career is “destroyed”, he needs support.

“With friends like that, who needs enemies?” said, about the report in the sun that a friend of Coote's had sent the gunpowder video to the newspaper.

“It's clearly about money.”

He continued: “This has gotten to another level now. I don't know if he has a problem. Whether he does or not, he needs some counseling.”

“Clearly there will be problems on a personal level, both for him and his family.

“But on a professional level, clearly he has to be taken out of the game. Certainly in the short term.

“Can he ever be reintegrated? I'm all for redemption and people can make mistakes. Sometimes you need a big shock to realize you can't do this.”

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“We don't know about his personal problems at the moment, but at the moment he can't referee. Not just in the Premier League, but anywhere for a period of time.”

And he concluded: “Right now his career is in tatters.”

UEFA, organizer of Euro 2024, also issued a statement regarding Coote's alleged behavior during the tournament.

It said: “The UEFA Referees Committee immediately suspended David Coote until further notice on 12 November, ahead of the next round of UEFA matches, when it became aware of his inappropriate behaviour.”