PGMOL Dismisses Premier League Referee, David Coote
David Coote, a Premier League referee, has been sacked by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after a “thorough investigation” into multiple allegations against him.
Coote, however, retains the right to appeal the decision.
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.
The controversy began in early November when the PGMOL suspended Coote after a video circulated online allegedly showing him making derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager, Jürgen Klopp.
The video reportedly referred to Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley in July 2020, a match officiated by Coote. Klopp had criticized Coote’s refereeing decisions post-match, leading to backlash at the time.
Adding to the storm, a report by The Sun on November 13 published images allegedly showing the 42-year-old using a white powder during the summer’s European Championship.
PGMOL described the allegations as “very serious” and launched a further probe.
UEFA also suspended Coote, initiating an investigation into his conduct.
Meanwhile, 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.
