Football
Can David Coote Still Officiate In The EFL After The PGMOL Sacked Disgraced Ref For Video Scandal?
Ben Horlock is a sports news and features writer who holds a degree in sports journalism (BA Hons) from Southampton Solent University. Ben has been published across a wide variety of news outlets and websites including HITC, 90min, GiveMeSport, Betfair and Zoo Magazine. As well, Ben has worked in social media for four years in the sports gambling industry. For his sins, Ben is a QPR fan and is a keen follower of all the major European football leagues.
Get to know Ben Horlock betterPublished09 Dec 2024
After the PGMOL sacked disgraced referee David Coote on Monday, many will be wondering if he can carry on officiating in the EFL.
Coote was fired with immediate effect after two videos were widely circulated on Liverpool and former boss Jurgen Klopp.
The second video was released by The Sun just a few days later. In the clip, it apparently shows Coote snorting a white powder. This was understood to have been filmed when Coote was officiating at Euro 2024.
After a month-long investigation, the PGMOL released a statement explaining their reasons for handing Coote his P45 as his position became untenable.
PGMOL Statement On David Coote Sacking
The PGMOL has sacked Premier League official David Coote with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/HgirOLcAKP
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 9, 2024
“Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into Coote’s conduct, his employment with PGMOL has been terminated today with immediate effect.
“Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable.
“ing Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare. Coote has a right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment.”
Coote’s last Premier League game came on November 9 when Liverpool beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Anfield. At the time of writing, the best football betting sites in the UK make the Reds the 4/5 favourites to win the title.
Can David Coote Referee In The EFL?
It’s unclear at this stage if David Coote can referee in the EFL. In theory, he can but he is also being investigated by the FA. They are looking into the comments about Jurgen Klopp as well as a yellow card scandal.
This dates back to October 2019 when Leeds met West Brom in the Championship. Coote is accused of discussing issuing bookings with a fan.
During the game, Leeds defender Ezgjan Alioski was booked which has sparked a deeper probe. Last month, former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys came to the defence of Coote.
“Clearly Coote can’t ref again in the PL, but to destroy his life over this would be wrong. Right now he’s in a very dark place. I’ve been there,” Keys wrote on his blog.
“I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t continue with his job in the EFL. I know I’ve argued that PL refs shouldn’t be demoted to the EFL when they’re in poor form, and I stand by that, but this is different.