Premier League referee David Coote has become embroiled in a fresh controversy, facing allegations of cocaine use. The incident allegedly occurred during Euro 2024, where Coote was on duty as a support VAR official. A video shared by The Sun shows a man, alleged to be Coote, snorting white powder using a US dollar bank note.
The video was reportedly taken on July 6, a day after Coote officiated the Euro 2024 quarter-final between Spain and Germany. He is alleged to have recorded the video himself in his hotel and sent it to a friend.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and the Football Association (FA) are investigating the allegations. Coote remains suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
“We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously,” a PGMOL spokesperson said. “David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation. 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.”
UEFA also suspended Coote on November 11 after becoming aware of his inappropriate behavior.
Earlier this week, Coote was caught in another controversy after a video emerged of him allegedly making derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp. In the video, Coote reportedly called Klopp “arrogant” and used offensive language.
The video allegedly refers to a match that Coote officiated, when Liverpool drew 1-1 to Burnley in July 2020. Liverpool had already been crowned as champions.
Klopp criticized Coote after the match, complaining that he had been very lenient in his treatment of Burnley’s challenges. The former Liverpool manager also criticized Coote over an incident against Arsenal last season, when Martin Odegaard’s hand made contact with the ball. Coote, who was on VAR duty, did not advise on-field officials to review the incident.
The allegations against Coote have raised concerns about the integrity of the game and the conduct of match officials. The PGMOL and the FA are investigating the allegations thoroughly to determine the facts and take appropriate action.
