PGMOL taking new allegations against suspended referee David Coote very seriously
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A new video on Nov 13 appears to show David Coote snorting white powder during his time working as a match official at Euro 2024.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – English football’s referees body the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said on Nov 13 that it was taking 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 Nov 13 that the newspaper said the footage showed Coote appearing to snort white powder during his time working as a match official at Euro 2024. The video has not been verified by Reuters.
“We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation,” a PGMOL spokesperson said.
“David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period.”
In the video, he was allegedly seen using an American bank note to snort a line of white powder.
The Sun claimed that the video was taken on July 6, which was a day after Coote was on support VAR (video assistant referee) duty for the Euro 2024 quarter-final clash between eventual champions Spain and Germany.
The news outlet said that Coote filmed himself in his hotel room in Germany and afterwards sent the eight-second clip to a friend.
Reuters has approached Coote, through the PGMOL, for comment.
Coote, 42, was suspended by the PGMOL on Nov 11 pending a full investigation after a previous video circulated 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 Nov 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 remarks about Liverpool’s rivals Everton and Reds defender Andy Robertson.
England’s Football Association has started its own investigation into the matter, while Uefa said that it had taken action against Coote earlier in the week.
“The Uefa Referees Committee immediately suspended David Coote until further notice on Nov 11 – in advance of the upcoming round of Uefa matches – when it became aware of his inappropriate behaviour,” a Uefa spokesperson said. REUTERS, AFP
