David Coote, suspended Premier League referee, faces new allegations over viral cocaine video

Misery continues to pile on Premier League referee David Coote, who was suspended over derogatory remarks about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. With FA and PGMOL investigating whether Coote's reference to Klopp's nationality constitutes an aggravated breach of its misconduct rule, the latest controversy strikes the 42-year-old.

The Sun, an English tabloid, has shared the footage of Coote, 42, snorting white powder alleged to be cocaine. Per the report, the incident occurred during Euro 2024 while he was on duty.

ALSO READ:Nations League: Israel-France face off under tight security following Amsterdam riots

Add WION as a Preferred Source

A viral video doing rounds of social media shows a man, alleged to be Coote, using a US dollar bank note to snort a line of white powder. Coote recorded the video himself snorting the white powder to send to a friend on July 6 - a day after he was part of the VAR officials for the quarters clash between Spain and Germany.

"We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. 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", a PGMOL spokesperson said.

Earlier in the week, the UEFA shared a statement on Coote saying, "The UEFA Referees Committee immediately suspended David Coote until further notice on 11 November - in advance of the upcoming round of UEFA matches - when it became aware of his inappropriate behaviour."

Coote’s ‘rough’ relationship with Liverpool

Coote, who lately officiated in Liverpool’s game against Aston Villa, which they won 2-0, used offensive and abusive language against Klopp, who left Anfield following the conclusion of the previous season.

The video that put Coote in hot waters referred to a game between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020; Liverpool had won the Premier League title by then – their first.

Meanwhile, Klopp also criticized Coote after that match, expressing reservations over his lenient treatment of Burnley's challenges in the game that ended 1-1.

Besides, the ex-Liverpool manager also disapproved of one of Coote’s decisions during the game against Arsenal last season, when Martin Odegaard’s hand made contact with the ball, and Coote, on VAR duty, decided against advising on-field officials to review the incident.

(With inputs from agencies)