First league referee David Coote has been dismissed, PGMOL announced on Monday, citing a “serious breach” of his contract.
Coote was during the investigation after a leaked video showed him in a profanity-laced tirade on the topic Liverpool and their former manager Jürgen Klopp.
He is too under UEFA investigation after video published by The Sun allegedly showed him snorting white powder while on Euro 2024 duty.
“Following a detailed investigation into the conduct of David Coote, his employment with PGMOL has today been terminated with immediate effect,” PGMOL said in a statement.
“David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of his employment contract and his position was found to be untenable.
“Supporting David Coote remains important to us and we continue to be committed to his well-being,” PGMOL said.
“David Coote has the right to appeal his termination decision.”
Sources told ESPN that Coote was not dismissed for conduct directly related to the incident with Klopp or the video while he was on duty at UEFA, but for overall conduct that was deemed below expected standards.
Coote too under investigation by the English Football Association (FA) after he allegedly discussed giving out a yellow card before the match.
The investigation concerns the match between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion, which took place in October 2019. Coote received a yellow card for Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski during the match. There is no suggestion that any irregularities occurred in the issuance of the card.
