David Coote: Premier League referee sacked after controversial Jurgen Klopp video scandal

The 42-year-old’s dismissal comes after an investigation into allegations of unprofessional conduct, including a widely circulated video showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp.

The video, which emerged on social media in mid-November, prompted the PGMOL to suspend Coote and launch an internal probe. Although the authenticity of the video remains unverified, it sparked widespread outrage among football fans.

Coote was also under scrutiny over additional claims involving his conduct at UEFA Euro 2024, where another video appeared to show him allegedly using a white powder during the tournament.

PGMOL confirmed Coote’s termination in a statement issued on Monday afternoon.

It stated that the investigation had concluded Coote was in “serious breach” of his employment contract, rendering his position “untenable.” The organisation stressed that while they were committed to supporting Coote, they had no choice but to sever ties due to the severity of the findings.

In addition to the viral video, Coote faced separate accusations related to match-fixing, after a report claimed he discussed booking a Leeds United player in advance of a match.

The Football Association (FA) is investigating these allegations, which Coote has firmly denied, describing them as “false and defamatory.”

Coote, who made his Premier League debut in 2018, has the right to appeal the decision. He has previously officiated high-profile matches, including the 2023 Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle United.

David Coote, a Premier League referee, has been dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) with immediate effect following a series of controversies, Soccernet.football reports.

The 42-year-old’s dismissal comes after an investigation into allegations of unprofessional conduct, including a widely circulated video showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp.

The video, which emerged on social media in mid-November, prompted the PGMOL to suspend Coote and launch an internal probe. Although the authenticity of the video remains unverified, it sparked widespread outrage among football fans.

Coote was also under scrutiny over additional claims involving his conduct at UEFA Euro 2024, where another video appeared to show him allegedly using a white powder during the tournament.

PGMOL confirmed Coote’s termination in a statement issued on Monday afternoon.

It stated that the investigation had concluded Coote was in “serious breach” of his employment contract, rendering his position “untenable.” The organisation stressed that while they were committed to supporting Coote, they had no choice but to sever ties due to the severity of the findings.

In addition to the viral video, Coote faced separate accusations related to match-fixing, after a report claimed he discussed booking a Leeds United player in advance of a match.

The Football Association (FA) is investigating these allegations, which Coote has firmly denied, describing them as “false and defamatory.”

Coote, who made his Premier League debut in 2018, has the right to appeal the decision. He has previously officiated high-profile matches, including the 2023 Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle United.