PGMOL has taken the decision to sack Premier League referee David Coote following the row involving Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp.
The 42-year-old England official’s actions led to widespread condemnation, including allegations of xenophobic comments aimed at Klopp and other inappropriate behavior caught on video.
PGMOL, which governs refereeing in English football, launched a comprehensive investigation into Coote’s conduct following a series of complaints. The findings of the investigation confirmed that Coote had breached the provisions of his contract of employment and as a result, his position as a Premier League referee was deemed untenable.
In an official statement released to X, PGMOL confirmed the termination of Coote’s employment, although the arbitrator reserves the right to appeal the decision:
The entire statement read as follows:
“Following the completion of a thorough investigation into the conduct of David Coote, his employment with PGMOL has today been terminated with immediate effect.”
“David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the terms of his contract of employment, with his position deemed untenable.”
“David Coote’s support continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare.
David Coote has the right to appeal against the decision to terminate his employment.”
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Following the completion of a thorough investigation into the conduct of David Coote, his employment with PGMOL has today been terminated with immediate effect.
David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of the…
— PGMOL (@FA_PGMOL) December 9, 2024
The controversy that resulted in the sacking of David Coote
The row began with a leaked video in which Coote made derogatory and xenophobic comments about Klopp. Reports suggest the footage dates back to the 2020-21 season, a time when Coote was serving as VAR during the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton. In that match, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford avoided punishment for a challenge that caused a season-ending injury to Virgil van Dijk, leading to considerable criticism of Coute’s refereeing.
The situation escalated when another video surfaced, reportedly showing Coote snorting a white substance during Euro 2024. UEFA immediately suspended him while it conducted its own investigation.
Initially, Coote denied the authenticity of the video but later made an about-face, stating that he could not recall the specific content of the conversation.
Following the PGMOL investigation and initial decision, UEFA also opted to remove Coote from officiating matches within its jurisdiction, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
