EPL referee Coote fired after investigation into misconduct

Premier League referee David Coote was fired by the Skilled Recreation Match Officers Restricted (PGMOL) on Monday after an investigation into allegations of wrongdoing – together with derogatory feedback he made about former Liverpool supervisor Jurgen Klopp and obvious drug use throughout Euro 2024 – discovered he breached the phrases of his contract.

Coote was initially suspended Nov. 11 after showing to slander Klopp on video. UEFA then opened a separate investigation when footage appeared to point out Coote snorting white powder throughout the Euros, the place he served as a video assistant referee.

“David Coote’s actions had been discovered to be in severe breach of the provisions of his employment contract, together with his place deemed untenable,” PGMOL mentioned in an announcement. “Supporting David Coote continues to be essential to us and we stay dedicated to his welfare.”

The 42-year-old, who has denied all wrongdoing, can attraction the choice.

Shortly after Coote officiated his final match – a 2-0 win for Liverpool on Nov. 9 towards Aston Villa – the PGMOL mentioned it was reviewing a now-viral video wherein Coote known as Klopp “smug” throughout an expletive-laden rant towards him.

Coote appeared to confer with Klopp’s conduct throughout Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley in July 2020. Klopp later criticized Coote for permitting quite a lot of fouls towards Liverpool to go unpunished.

“I’ve acquired no real interest in talking to somebody who’s f—–g smug,” Coote’s recorded as saying in a video launched by The Solar. “I do my finest to not communicate to him. You may see me there with masks on. Social distancing 10 metres aside. However my God, German c—. F— me.”

The FA opened its personal investigation and can be reviewing allegations Coote mentioned reserving then-Leeds participant Ezgjan Alioski with a fan earlier than a sport towards West Bromwich Albion within the second-tier Championship in October 2019.

“I hope you backed as mentioned,” Coote allegedly advised the person after giving the participant a yellow card.

The FA’s investigation stays open.

Coote insisted any points in his private life “by no means affected” his on-field choices.

“I’ve all the time held the integrity of the sport within the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the most effective of my capacity,” he mentioned.

Coote officiated 112 Premier League matches, together with three Liverpool fixtures. He additionally oversaw 5 Liverpool matches in cup competitions.