Premier League referee David Coote has been dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after an investigation into his conduct. His dismissal follows a suspension last month when a video allegedly surfaced of him making offensive remarks about Liverpool and their manager, Jürgen Klopp. The video reportedly showed Coote calling Klopp a “German c*nt” and “arrogant,” accusing him of dishonesty after Liverpool’s 2020 match against Burnley.
Adding to the controversy, a photo of Coote allegedly sniffing a white substance also emerged on social media, further tarnishing his reputation. Additionally, Coote was under investigation for reportedly discussing issuing a yellow card to a player in 2019, as reported by Sky Sports.
PGMOL stated that Coote’s actions were a serious breach of his employment contract, making his position untenable. However, they affirmed their commitment to supporting him during this period. Coote, who first officiated in the Premier League in April 2018 and refereed the 2023 Carabao Cup final, has the right to appeal the decision.
This situation has reignited conversations about professionalism and accountability in football officiating, a topic that has been under scrutiny in recent years due to questionable decisions by referees.
