Premier League Referee David Coote Dismissed Following Inquiry

David Coote’s initial Premier League match as an official took place in 2018. The PGMOL, the organization responsible for referees, has terminated the employment of Premier League official David Coote subsequent to a “thorough investigation” into his conduct. Coote, aged 42, had been suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) on November 11. This suspension was pending a comprehensive inquiry after a video, purportedly depicting him uttering disparaging remarks about Liverpool and its former manager Jurgen Klopp, became public on social media platforms. An additional inquiry commenced two days subsequent to the Sun newspaper’s publication of photographs, which it stated were captured during the European Championship this summer. These images allegedly depicted Coote inhaling a white powder using a rolled-up US bank note. The PGMOL stated that Coote’s conduct rendered his role “untenable”. The BBC has not independently authenticated either the images or the video. “David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract,” the PGMOL declared. “Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare.” Coote possesses the right to contest the decision regarding the termination of his employment. The PGMOL initially initiated proceedings against Coote on November 11, subsequent to the dissemination of a video on social media platforms that purportedly depicted him criticizing Liverpool and its former manager, Klopp. The video seemingly referenced a Premier League fixture Coote had officiated in July 2020, between Liverpool and Burnley, which concluded with a 1-1 score. Following the match, Klopp voiced criticism of Coote, asserting that the referee neglected to award fouls for challenges against Liverpool’s players. The Football Association (FA) commenced an investigation on the subsequent day. On November 13, the PGMOL indicated its intention to treat additional allegations “very seriously,” subsequent to the release of images that seemed to portray Coote inhaling a white powder. Coote was serving as a match official at the Euros, and Uefa, the governing body for European football, also suspended him while initiating its own inquiry. On November 27, the FA initiated a fresh investigation stemming from an accusation that Coote had engaged in discussions about issuing a yellow card prior to a 2019 Championship fixture between Leeds and West Brom. A report published in the Sun asserted that Coote had exchanged communications with a supporter concerning the issuance of a yellow card both before and after the match. Coote refuted any misconduct, stating that the allegation was “false and defamatory”. The BBC has not verified the information contained within that report. The communication pertained to a booking issued by Coote to Leeds defender Ezgjan Alioski during the game. There is no indication of Coote receiving any financial benefit, and the booking itself is considered to be entirely appropriate. Jurgen Klopp confronted referee David Coote following Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley in July 2020. Coote received his initial appointment as a Premier League referee in April 2018, during a match where West Brom secured a 1-0 victory against Newcastle. He officiated 11 top-flight matches during the 2018-19 season and subsequently refereed a total of 112 Premier League games, among them three involving Liverpool. July 2020: A 1-1 draw against Burnley at Anfield. March 2024: A 2-1 victory over Brighton at Anfield. November 2024: A 2-0 triumph against Aston Villa at Anfield. Coote has also officiated Liverpool in five additional cup competitions. Recognized as one of the PGMOL’s top-rated video assistant referees (VARs), Coote served as the VAR for 64 Premier League matches, with 11 of these involving Liverpool, beginning in September 2019. In October 2020, Coote was the VAR during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Everton. Following this match, Klopp expressed dissatisfaction regarding the choice not to dismiss Jordan Pickford for a foul on Virgil van Dijk, alongside a stoppage-time goal by Jordan Henderson that was disallowed due to offside. Liverpool formally requested the Premier League to re-examine those two VAR rulings. Subsequently, Coote did not receive an appointment as the VAR for a Liverpool Premier League match again until September 2023, which marked the first of seven such appointments involving Liverpool in the role of VAR during the previous season. © 2024 BBC. The BBC disclaims responsibility for content found on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.