The PGMOL has taken the decision to sack Premier League referee David Coote following the row between Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp.
The 42-year-old England official’s actions have led to widespread condemnation, including allegations of xenophobic comments directed at Klopp and other inappropriate behavior caught on video.
PGMOL, which governs refereeing in English football, launched a comprehensive investigation into Coote’s behavior after a series of allegations emerged. 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 has been deemed untenable.
In an official statement published on X, PGMOL confirmed the termination of Coote’s employment, although the arbitrator reserved the right to appeal the decision:
The full statement read:
“Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into David Coote’s conduct, his employment with PGMOL has today ended with immediate effect.”
“David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, and his position was deemed untenable.”
“Supporting David Coote remains important to us and we remain committed to his welfare.
David Coote has the right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment.”
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Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into David Coote’s conduct, his employment with PGMOL has today ended with immediate effect.
David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of…
— PGMOL (@FA_PGMOL) December 9, 2024
The controversy that led to the dismissal of David Coote
The controversy 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 acted as VAR during the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton. In that game, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford avoided punishment for a challenge that caused a season-ending injury to Virgil van Dijk, leading to significant criticism of Coote’s officiating.
The situation escalated when another video surfaced, allegedly showing Coote blowing a white substance during Euro 2024. UEFA quickly suspended him while it conducted its own investigation.
Initially, Coote denied the authenticity of the footage but he later made a U-turn, claiming that he could not recall the specific content of the conversation.
Following PGMOL’s investigation and initial decision, UEFA also opted to remove Coote from consideration of officiating matches within their jurisdiction, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
