PGMOL takes new allegations against suspended referee David Coote very seriously

On By Pranco

LONDON – English football referee PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Ltd) said on November 13 that it was taking the new allegations against David Coote “very seriously”, while European football body UEFA said it had suspended the Premier League referee.

The Sun published a video on November 13 which it said showed Coote appearing to snort white powder while working as a match official at Euro 2024.

The video has not been verified by Reuters.

“We are aware of the allegations and take them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation,” a PGMOL spokesperson said.

“David’s well-being remains of the utmost importance to us and we are doing everything we can to provide him with the ongoing necessary support he needs during this period.”

In the video, he was allegedly seen using a US banknote to snort a line of white powder.

The Sun claimed the video was taken on July 6, a day after Coote was on VAR (video assistant referee) duty for the Euro 2024 quarter-final between eventual champions Spain and Germany.

The news company said Coote filmed himself in his hotel room in Germany and then sent the eight-second clip to a friend.

Reuters has contacted Coote through the PGMOL for comment.

Coote, 42, was suspended by the PGMOL on November 11 pending a full investigation after an earlier video circulating on social media showed the official allegedly abusing Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp.

According to the clip, Coote, who refereed Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Aston Villa on November 9, said Klopp was “arrogant” and even used offensive language in reference to his German nationality.

Coote’s friend, who wishes to remain anonymous, also revealed to the Sun that the referee made other derogatory comments about Liverpool’s rivals Everton and Reds defender Andy Robertson.

The English Football Association has launched its own investigation into the matter, while UEFA said it had taken action against Coote earlier this week.

“The UEFA Referees Committee immediately suspended David Coote until further notice on November 11 – ahead of the upcoming round of UEFA matches – upon becoming aware of his inappropriate behaviour,” a UEFA spokesperson said. REUTERS, AFP