Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has fired referee David Coote, citing a “serious breach” of his contract.
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Referee David Coote fired over “serious breach” of contract
Coote is under investigation over leaked video showing the 42-year-old ranting about Liverpool and ex-manager Jurgen Klopp.
Additionally, UEFA is also investigating Coote after a video from The Sun allegedly showed him snorting white powder while on duty at Euro 2024.
“Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into David Coote’s conduct, his employment with PGMOL has been terminated today with immediate effect,” PGMOL said in a statement.
“David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable.
“Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare,” PGMOL said.
“David Coote has a right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment.”
Fired over bad conduct
The video that prompted PGMOL’s investigation into Coote’s conduct surfaced publicly on November 11.
Two clips went viral on X in which Coote answered a question from unidentified man for his thoughts on Liverpool.
Coote responded: “Liverpool were s—.”
The said unidentified man asked Coote about his thoughts on Klopp, to which he answered: “C—, absolute c—.”
Coote also doubled down on his rant saying: “But, oh my god. German c—. F— me.”
Meanwhile, the Football Association (FA) also began an investigation over Coote allegedly discussing handing out a yellow card before a match.
The investigation refers to a match between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion in October 2019.
The Sun alleges after Coote booked the player, he messaged the individual back to say: “I hope you backed as discussed.”
However, Coote strongly denied those allegations.
“I strongly refute these false and defamatory allegations. Whatever issues I may 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,” he said.
