David Coote, a former Premier League referee, has accepted his dismissal from the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) without appeal, foregoing a potential legal battle to retain his position. His sacking follows a series of damning revelations published by The Sun newspaper, exposing his drug use and disparaging remarks about football figures. The PGMOL deemed his actions a serious breach of contract, rendering his position untenable.
The first incident involved a video circulating on social media where Coote referred to former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp with a derogatory and offensive term. This video, recorded during a conversation, captured Coote expressing his animosity towards Klopp, citing a previous confrontation during a match. He also criticized Liverpool’s performance and expressed a general dislike for the team and their fans.
Further escalating the scandal, The Sun then released a video showing Coote snorting a white powder, suspected to be cocaine, in a hotel room during the Euro 2024 tournament. The video, reportedly filmed on a mobile phone and shared via WhatsApp, captured the incident in detail, showing Coote using a rolled-up banknote to inhale the substance. This occurred just a day after he served as a VAR official for a crucial quarter-final match.
The combined impact of these revelations led to the PGMOL launching an investigation. Alongside the drug use and derogatory comments, Coote was also facing a separate probe related to betting allegations, further complicating his position. Following the investigation, the PGMOL concluded that his conduct irrevocably breached his employment contract, leading to his dismissal.
While the PGMOL has emphasized its commitment to Coote’s welfare and continued support, the repercussions of his actions are significant. The loss of his refereeing career represents a substantial financial blow, estimated at around £1 million in lost earnings over the next few years. Coote has remained largely out of public view since the videos surfaced, reportedly staying near his Midlands home. The Sun published photographs of him visiting a gym, marking his first public appearance since the scandal broke.
This incident highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by public figures, particularly in the age of social media and readily available camera phones. Coote’s case serves as a stark reminder that private actions can quickly become public knowledge, with potentially devastating consequences. The ease with which such evidence can be disseminated underscores the importance of professional conduct, both on and off duty, especially for individuals holding positions of responsibility within prominent organizations like the Premier League. The PGMOL’s decisive action reflects a zero-tolerance policy towards such behavior, aiming to uphold the integrity of the game and maintain public trust in the officiating process.
