Former Premier League referee David Coote has been banned by UEFA until June 30, 2026.
UEFA said Coote brought “the sport of football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute”. The news comes after Coote was sacked by PGMOL in December after being “in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable”.
It followed an investigation into a video that showed Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp. The video was widely circulated on social media in November.
Coote refuted an allegation he discussed giving a yellow card before Leeds’ match against West Brom in October 2019. The FA is investigating the allegation.
The PGMOL investigation covered an additional second video which emerged in November, appearing to show Coote allegedly snorting a white powder, purportedly during Euro 2024, where he was one of the assistant VARs for the tournament. UEFA appointed an ethics investigator to look into the matter.
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Former Premier League referee David Coote told Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam he feels ashamed of the incidents which led to his sacking by PGMOL. If you’ve been affected by some upsetting issues in this video, head to sky.com/viewersupport
Timeline: What led to Coote’s dismissal by PGMOL…
Saturday November 9, 2024: Coote referees Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa.
Monday November 11: An unverified video of Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp circulates on social media.
Monday November 11: PGMOL suspends Coote and launches an investigation.
Tuesday November 12: FA begins own investigation into Coote video.
Tuesday November 12: Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb says on Sky Sports’ Match Officials Mic’d Up that PGMOL taking the incident “very seriously”.
Thursday November 14: PGMOL aware of new video appearing to show Coote snorting a white powder while reportedly working at Euro 2024.
Wednesday November 27: FA investigating allegations Coote discussed giving a yellow card before a game as reported by The Sun. Coote refutes allegations.
Monday December 9: Coote sacked by PGMOL.
