Premier League official David Coote has been sacked by referees' body the PGMOL following a "thorough investigation" into his conduct.
Coote, 42, was suspended by the PGMOL (the Professional Game Match Officials Limited) on 11 November pending a full investigation after a video allegedly showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and the club’s former manager Jurgen Klopp was circulated on social media.
A further investigation was opened two days later after the Sun published photos it says were taken during this summer’s European Championship, alleging that they appear to show Coote sniffing a white powder through a rolled-up US banknote.
Thereafter, in a statement on Monday titled “Statement—David Coote,” the PGMOL confirmed the termination of his employment, citing “serious breaches” of his contract that rendered his position “untenable.”
“David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract,” the statement read.
“Supporting David Coote continues to be importantto us, and we remain committed to his welfare.”
The controversy, which began in early November, was reportedly referred to Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley in July 2020, a match officiated by Coote.
Klopp had criticised Coote’s refereeing decisions post-match, leading to backlash at the time.
PGMOL described the allegations as “very serious” and launched a further probe. Morover, UEFA also suspended Coote, initiating its own investigation into his conduct.
While the situation escalated further when the FA opened another investigation into an alleged incident in 2019.
Coote was accused of discussing a decision to issue a yellow card ahead of a Championship match between Leeds and West Brom.
Although Coote strongly denied the claim, calling it “false and defamatory,” the controversy added to the mounting scrutiny.
Coote, however, having denied all wrongdoings, has the opportunity to appeal, leaving a potential avenue for further legal or procedural developments.
