Breaking: Premier League referee sacked following investigations into conduct

A Premier League referee, David Coote, has been dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after a thorough investigation into his conduct.

The 42-year-old was suspended by the refereeing body on 11 November after a video surfaced on social media, allegedly showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and its former manager, Jurgen Klopp.

The situation escalated when the Sun newspaper published photos it claimed were taken during this summer’s European Championship, showing Coote allegedly sniffing a white powder through a rolled-up US banknote.

The PGMOL concluded that Coote’s actions made his position “untenable,” stating that he had breached his employment contract. However, they also expressed their continued support for Coote’s welfare, stating, “Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us.” Coote has the option to appeal the dismissal.

Additionally, the Football Association is investigating allegations that Coote discussed giving a yellow card before a Championship match between Leeds and West Brom in 2019. Coote has denied all allegations, calling them “false and defamatory.”