David Coote has been dismissed as a Premier League referee following the emergence of videos of him ranting about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and snorting a white powder.
The 42-year-old was caught on video referring to the former Reds boss with a derogatory term.
In an eight-second WhatsApp clip, the embattled referee appeared wide-eyed as he used a rolled-up US banknote to snort a four-inch line of the substance in his UEFA-funded hotel room—the day after serving as VAR for France’s quarter-final shootout win over Portugal.
The PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), responsible for refereeing in English professional football, launched an investigation into the incident and initially suspended Coote pending an outcome.
They have now confirmed his dismissal.
A statement read:
“Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into David Coote’s conduct, his employment with PGMOL has been terminated today with immediate effect.
David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable.
Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us, and we remain committed to his welfare.
David Coote has the right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment.”
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