David Coote: Referee sacked by the PGMOL with immediate effect
David Coote, a referee in the Premier League, has been dismissed by PGMOL.
A video that has not been confirmed appears to show Coote making negative remarks about Liverpool and their ex-manager Jurgen Klopp, and it gained a lot of attention on social media last month.
Coote, who is 42 years old, was first put on hold by the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), and the FA began its own inquiry into the matter.
The PGMOL inquiry also looked into another video that surfaced last month, which seems to show Coote apparently inhaling a white substance, supposedly during Euro 2024, where he served as one of the assistant VARs for the event.
The organization that oversees football in Europe, UEFA, has assigned an ethics investigator to examine the situation.
On Monday afternoon, the PGMOL announced that Coote's employment had been ended. They stated that a comprehensive investigation found he had significantly violated the terms of his employment contract, making his role no longer viable.
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The complete statement from PGMOL stated: "After a comprehensive investigation into Coote's behavior, his employment with PGMOL has been ended today, effective immediately."
Coote's behavior was determined to violate his employment contract significantly, making his role no longer sustainable.
We are still dedicated to helping Coote, and his well-being is a top priority for us.
Coote is entitled to challenge the decision to end his job.
Who is David Coote?
The FA is conducting its own inquiry into a claim that Coote, who has firmly rejected the accusation, talked with a fan online about the possibility of issuing a yellow card to a Leeds player before a game. According to The Sun, after Coote issued the card to the player, he followed up with a message saying, "I hope you placed your bet as we talked about."
The FA announced that it is looking into the claim as a top priority.
Coote denied the claims that he talked about issuing a yellow card prior to the game.
Coote stated, "I completely reject these untrue and damaging claims. Any personal challenges I've faced have never influenced my choices while officiating. I've always valued the integrity of the sport highly, and I've consistently refereed matches fairly and to the best of my skills."
The inquiry conducted by PGMOL did not address the claim regarding the yellow card given to the Leeds player.
Timeline: Reasons Behind Coote's Dismissal
On Saturday, November 9, Coote officiated the match where Liverpool triumphed over Aston Villa with a score of 2-0.
On Monday, November 11, a video surfaced on social media featuring Coote making negative remarks about Liverpool and their ex-coach, Jurgen Klopp. The authenticity of the video has not been confirmed.
On Monday, November 11, the PGMOL announced the suspension of Coote and initiated an investigation.
On Tuesday, November 12, the FA launched its own inquiry regarding the Coote video.
On Tuesday, November 12, Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer, mentioned on Sky Sports' Match Officials Mic'd Up that the PGMOL is treating the situation with great importance.
Thursday, November 14: PGMOL has become aware of a new video that seems to depict Coote inhaling a white substance while allegedly involved with Euro 2024.
On Wednesday, November 27, the Football Association is looking into claims that referee Coote mentioned awarding a yellow card prior to a match, according to The Sun. Coote has denied these claims.
Monday, December 9: Coote dismissed by PGMOL.
What Does Committed Care For Coote Look Like?
Ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher speaking on Sky Sports News:
"It's important to ensure his well-being. Following the investigation, his role became unsustainable. As referees, we are required to adhere to a code of conduct, committing to a lifestyle that aligns with the standards we've expected over the past month."
Given the situation, it must have been just as surprising for him as it was for everyone else, especially considering many of these videos are from four or five years ago. He acknowledged that it was indeed him in the footage, but when it was revealed, he surely felt the same shock as the rest of us.
As things progress, you begin to grasp the emotional struggles he is experiencing and the mental chaos he's facing. They've had to focus on ensuring his well-being is prioritized just as much as achieving the correct outcome in this situation.
"PGMOL Backs Coote: Key Story Element"
Kaveh Solhekol, the main reporter for Sky Sports News:
As soon as the video appeared online, PGMOL took immediate action after confirming they believed it was genuine.
David Coote was placed on suspension while an investigation was conducted. After three to four weeks, the investigation has concluded, and PGMOL has announced that Coote's employment has been terminated immediately. They stated that he had significantly violated his contract, making his role no longer viable.
I believe a crucial part of this situation is that, in their announcement, they express their ongoing support for Coote and emphasize their dedication to his well-being. Additionally, he has the option to appeal.
Additional claims have emerged in The Sun, and one of those is currently being looked into by UEFA, who also decided to suspend Coote. This incident is said to have taken place during the Euros held this summer in Germany. The Sun published photos that seemingly show Coote allegedly inhaling a white powder.
The Sun published a report claiming that Coote had a conversation with a fan about handing out a yellow card to a team before he officiated a match between Leeds and West Brom in 2019. The FA is currently investigating this matter.
In response to the initial allegations, Coote issued a statement declaring that the claims are untrue and damaging to his reputation.
We’ll need to wait and find out whether he or his representatives will respond. However, it seems clear from PGMOL's statement that they have made a strong decision, believing that his role is no longer sustainable and that he has violated his contract. They do express concern for his well-being, and he has the right to appeal their decision.
