Premier League official David Coote has been sacked by referees’ physique the PGMOL following a “thorough investigation” into his conduct.
Coote, 42, was on 11 November pending a full investigation after a video allegedly exhibiting him making derogatory feedback about Liverpool and the membership’s former supervisor Jurgen Klopp was circulated on social media.
An extra investigation was opened two days later after the Solar revealed photographs it says had been taken throughout this summer time’s European Championship, alleging that they seem to indicate Coote sniffing a white powder by way of a rolled up US financial institution observe.
The PGMOL mentioned Coote’s actions made his place “untenable”.
Neither the photographs nor the video have been verified independently by the BBC.
“David Coote’s actions had been discovered to be in critical breach of the provisions of his employment contract,” the PGMOL mentioned.
“Supporting David Coote continues to be necessary to us and we stay dedicated to his welfare.”
Coote has the appropriate to enchantment the choice to terminate his employment.
How did we get right here?
The PGMOL first took motion towards Coote on 11 November following the discharge of a video on social media, which allegedly confirmed him criticising Liverpool and their former supervisor Klopp.
The video appeared to refer a Premier League match that Coote officiated between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020, which completed 1-1.
Klopp criticised Coote after the sport, saying the referee failed to present fouls for challenges made on Liverpool’s gamers.
The FA opened an investigation the next day.
On 13 November, the PGMOL mentioned it was taking additional allegations “very critically” following the publication of photos exhibiting showing to indicate Coote sniffing a white powder.
Coote was working on the Euros in his capability as a match official and Uefa, European soccer’s governing physique, additionally suspended Coote because it launched its personal investigation.
On 27 November, the FA opened a brand new investigation following an allegation that Coote had earlier than a Championship match between Leeds and West Brom in 2019.
A report within the Solar claimed Coote exchanged messages with a fan discussing giving a yellow card earlier than and after the sport.
Coote denied any wrongdoing and mentioned the allegation was “false and defamatory”.
The contents of the report haven’t been verified by the BBC
The trade referred to a reserving Leeds defender Ezgjan Alioski acquired within the match from Coote. There isn’t a suggestion of any monetary acquire by Coote and the reserving is thought to be totally appropriate.
What are Coote’s refereeing stats?
Coote was appointed as a Premier League referee for the primary time in April 2018 when West Brom gained 1-0 at Newcastle.
He oversaw 11 video games within the prime flight throughout 2018-19 and has gone on to referee 112 Premier League video games, together with three Liverpool fixtures.
July 2020 – 1-1 draw with Burnley at Anfield
March 2024 – 2-1 win towards Brighton at Anfield
November 2024 – 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield
Coote has refereed Liverpool on an extra 5 events in cup video games.
As one of many PGMOL’s most highly-rated video assistant referees (VAR), Coote has been the VAR for 64 Premier League matches, 11 of which have concerned Liverpool, the primary of which was in September 2019.
In October 2020, Coote was the VAR when Liverpool drew 2-2 with Everton and Klopp complained concerning the resolution to not ship off Jordan Pickford for a problem on Virgil van Dijk, in addition to a stoppage-time purpose from Jordan Henderson being disallowed for offside.
Liverpool requested the Premier League to evaluate these two VAR selections.
Coote was then not appointed because the VAR of a Liverpool Premier League match till September 2023, the primary of seven Liverpool Premier League matches as VAR final season.