'His position was untenable': David Coote sacked as PGMOL

Feb 28

Ex-PL Ref Coote Banned By UEFA Following Euros Video

Former Premier League referee David Coote has been banned by UEFA due to his behavior around the European Championships in 2024. The ban comes after Coote was sacked from Professional Game Match Official Limited (PGMOL) in December following an investigation into his conduct. The 42-year-old was initially suspended by PGMOL on November 11 after a video circulated of him making comments about Liverpool and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp. UEFA would open their own investigation a couple of days later after The Sun published photographs of Coote allegedly sniffing a white powder through a US banknote. The photographs were taken during Euro 2024, with Coote being listed as a video assistant referee for the tournament in Germany. According to UEFA, Coote, who is banned from officiating in European competitions until 30 June 2026, had brought the sport of football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute.” Coote has since apologized for his actions and, in an interview with The Sun, also revealed that he is gay. Coote is also facing a probe by the Football Association for allegedly discussing giving a yellow card prior to officiating a game between Leeds and West Brom in 2019; however, he denies the claims.