David Coote, a Premier League official, has been dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after a comprehensive investigation into his conduct. The 42-year-old was initially suspended on November 11 after a video allegedly showing him making derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp circulated on social media.
The investigation intensified when The Sun published photos purportedly taken during the summer’s European Championship, appearing to show Coote sniffing a white substance through a rolled-up US bank note. These actions led the PGMOL to deem his position “untenable.”
Despite the allegations, neither the video nor the photos have been independently verified by the BBC.
PGMOL stated that Coote’s behavior constituted a serious breach of his employment contract but emphasized their ongoing support for his welfare. Coote retains the right to appeal the termination decision.
