The Professional Game Match Officials Limited [PGMOL], the body responsible for Premier League referees, has sacked David Coote after he was found guilty of misconduct following an investigation.
The issue came to light after a video from the 2019/20 season surfaced online. In the clip, Coote was heard making offensive comments about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp while chatting with friends.
David Coote’s comment about Klopp
Coote, seemingly referring to a game in which he officiated as a fourth official in a match between Liverpool and Burnley, expressed his frustration and remembered how heated a discussion with Klopp got during their match.
“He accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me,” Coote said in the video. “I‘ve got no interest in speaking to someone who‘s fing arrogant. I do my best not to speak to him. You can see me there with mask on. Social distancing—10 meters apart. But my God, German c, f*** me.”
After the video surfaced, PGMOL suspended Coote on November 11 and initiated an investigation. Once the investigation concluded, they verified he had breached the rules and sacked him.
PGMOL Statement
”Following an exhaustive investigation into David Coote‘s behaviour, his employment with PGMOL has been terminated with immediate effect today.”
“David Coote‘s behaviour was found to constitute serious breach of the terms of his contract, and his position became untenable. “We continue to consider the welfare of David Coote important and are committed to supporting him.
“David Coote‘s behaviour was found to constitute serious breach of the terms of his contract, and his position became untenable. “We continue to consider the welfare of David Coote important and are committed to supporting him.
According to The Athletic, the
FA is conducting an investigation as well. The Coote comments about Klopp‘s nationality could be viewed as discriminatory and thus might be further punished.
