David Coote, Premier League ref who awarded an incorrect penalty decision against Matthijs de Ligt during the West Ham vs Man Utd game, has been SACKED by PGMOL
David Coote, a Premier League referee, has been dismissed following a series of controversies involving offensive remarks about Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and allegations of misconduct captured on video.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) launched an inquiry after videos emerged on November 11, showing Coote making explicit comments about Klopp and allegedly handling what appeared to be a white substance. After reviewing the evidence, PGMOL concluded that Coote’s actions were a severe breach of professional standards and terminated his employment immediately.
In a statement issued on Monday, PGMOL stated, “David Coote’s conduct constituted a significant violation of his employment terms.” The organization also affirmed its support for Coote during this difficult time and acknowledged his right to appeal the decision.
Beyond his remarks about Klopp, Coote is under investigation by the Football Association (FA) over claims he discussed issuing a yellow card before officiating a 2019 Championship match between Leeds and West Brom. Coote has denied the allegations, labeling them as “false and defamatory,” while maintaining that his personal challenges have never impacted his professional responsibilities.
The controversy deepened when a second video, reportedly from the summer’s European Championship, surfaced. The footage showed Coote making disparaging comments about Klopp and, alongside another individual, appearing to disregard COVID-19 safety protocols.
Coote, who began officiating in the Premier League in 2018 and officiated the 2023 Carabao Cup final, now faces separate investigations by both the FA and UEFA. Despite his dismissal, PGMOL has reiterated its commitment to supporting him as he navigates these challenges in his personal and professional life.
