Premier League sacks David Coote, the referee who insulted Klopp
The College of Referees has confirmed his dismissal, after concluding its investigation
The Premier League’s governing body of referees (PGMOL) on Monday confirmed the dismissal of David Coote, the referee who was filmed insulting Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool, allegedly snorted cocaine during the European Championship, and is also under investigation for alleged match-fixing in 2019.
“Following the conclusion of the investigation into Coote’s conduct, his employment with the Premier League has been terminated immediately. Coote’s actions constitute a serious breach of his contract,” the PGMOL said in a statement, adding that Coote can appeal and that they will assist him in securing his welfare.
Coote came under fire several weeks ago after a video was made public in which he called Klopp, then Liverpool manager, an “arrogant German idiot.” Following this first scandal, videos of Coote allegedly snorting a white powder, which could be cocaine, appeared in British tabloid media the day after being the assistant referee in the VAR at a European Championship match.
The FA is also investigating Coote for allegedly yellow-carding a player so that a friend could benefit financially through betting. According to The Sun, in 2019, Coote booked Leeds United player Ezgjan Alioski and then texted a friend: “Hope you got him in like we talked about.”