English Premier League match official David Coote was fired after his position was deemed “untenable” by the referees’ governing body following an investigation.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited suspended Coote on November 12 while it looked into a video, published by The Sun newspaper, that circulated of him making offensive comments to friends about former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
Since then, UEFA also launched an investigation into Coote following a video, again published by The Sun, allegedly showing him using cocaine during the Euros.
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Coote is also being investigated by the Football Association following allegations that he discussed with a fan the possibility of giving a yellow card to a player in a match.
Coote denies any wrongdoing, according to The Sun.
Referee David Coote. CameraSport via Getty Images
The PGMOL issued a statement saying Coote’s employment has been terminated with immediate effect following the conclusion of its investigation.
His “actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable,” the referees body said.
“Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare.”
Coote has the right to appeal against the decision.
Two videos, apparently filmed using a phone, circulated on social media appearing to show Coote giving his personal opinion on Liverpool and Klopp, its long-time former manager, when asked by another unidentified man.
Coote called Liverpool “shit” and described Klopp as “f—ing arrogant” and a “German c— who “accused me of lying” after one game.
It was not immediately clear when the footage was filmed and whether it was manipulated.
In another shorter clip, apparently filmed after the other, the two participants filmed stress the importance of the footage not being shared.
The Sun also published a video in November that showed Coote sniffing white powder during the summer’s European Championship in Germany, where he was officiating.
