LONDON: Premier Lea­gue official David Coote was sacked on Monday after referee chiefs desc­ribed his position as “untenable” over a video making derogatory rema­rks about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Coote was suspended last month after the video emerged on social media in which he branded Klopp “arrogant” and used offensive language.

“Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into David Coote’s conduct, his employment with PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) has been terminated today with immediate effect,” the PGMOL said in a statement.

“David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable.

“Supporting David Coo­te continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare.”

Coote has the right to appeal the decision.

The video appeared to refer to a match that Coote officiated between Liver­pool and Burnley in July 2020, which finished 1-1.

Klopp criticised Coote after the match, saying the referee had been too lenient in his treatment of Burnley challenges.

The Sun published a vid­eo which the newspaper sa­id showed Coote appearing to snort white powder during his time working as a match official at Euro 2024, and UEFA also laun­ched an investigation having suspended the 42-year-old.

The Football Association is investigating further allegations Coote discussed betting on giving a yellow card with a fan before a match in England’s second-tier Championship.

His final Premier League game was Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Aston Villa on Nov 9.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2024