The controversy surrounding Premier League referee David Coote continues to escalate as a new video has emerged, reportedly showing him snorting a white powder while working at Euro 2024 last summer. This video, published by The Sun, follows a separate video that surfaced earlier this week, which appeared to show Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp.
The PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Ltd) has confirmed they are aware of both videos and are taking the allegations very seriously. In a statement to Sky Sports News, a spokesperson for the PGMOL said, “We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation. David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period. We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”
Following the release of the first video, the Football Association launched an investigation. UEFA, the governing body for European football, also suspended Coote earlier this week. A UEFA spokesperson told Sky Sports News: “The UEFA Referees Committee immediately suspended David Coote until further notice on 11 November – in advance of the upcoming round of UEFA matches – when it became aware of his inappropriate behaviour.”
Coote’s suspension remains in place while the PGMOL and UEFA conduct thorough investigations into the allegations. The latest video has sparked further outrage and questions about the conduct of officials in professional football. It remains to be seen what action will be taken against Coote following the investigations.
