An independent Regulatory Commission of the Football Association (FA) has handed referee David Coote an eight-week suspension and ordered him to attend a mandatory face-to-face education programme for breaching FA Rule E3. The case centered on allegations that, in July 2020, Coote acted improperly and used abusive and/or insulting language about Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in a video that surfaced on social media in November 2024. The Football Association further classified the incident as an “Aggravated Breach” under Rule E3.2, as the comments included a reference—explicit or implied—to nationality.&nbsp;Football Association Rule E3 covers improper conduct that could bring the game into disrepute, including the use of insulting language or behaviour, as well as actions that could question the integrity of match officials. Coote has also faced disciplinary action from UEFA. In 2024, European football’s governing body suspended him from officiating until June 30, 2026, after a video emerged showing him snorting a white powder while working at Euro 2024.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uncertainty-looms-over-chinnaswamy-stadium-hosting-women-s-world-cup-after-stampede-fallout-1755011716805">Uncertainty looms over Chinnaswamy stadium hosting Women’s World Cup after stampede fallout</a>&nbsp;However, the Football Association previously cleared him of a separate charge related to an allegation from 2019, which claimed he had discussed showing a yellow card before a Championship match between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion. The incident referred to a booking given to Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski in October 2019. Coote denied the allegation and stated he has always upheld the integrity of the game.&nbsp;“Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life, they have never affected my decision-making on the field. I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability,” &nbsp;the statement read.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-want-me-to-send-child-out-of-stadium-mid-match-drama-steals-spotlight-as-emma-raducanu-halts-match-over-crying-baby-watch-1755006591187">'Want me to send child out of stadium?' Mid-match drama steals spotlight as Emma Raducanu halts match over crying baby | WATCH</a>

David Coote, former Premier League referee handed two-month ban by FA. Know why

An independent Regulatory Commission of the Football Association (FA) has handed referee David Coote an eight-week suspension and ordered him to attend a mandatory face-to-face education programme for breaching FA Rule E3. The case centered on allegations that, in July 2020, Coote acted improperly and used abusive and/or insulting language about Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in a video that surfaced on social media in November 2024. The Football Association further classified the incident as an “Aggravated Breach” under Rule E3.2, as the comments included a reference—explicit or implied—to nationality. Football Association Rule E3 covers improper conduct that could bring the game into disrepute, including the use of insulting language or behaviour, as well as actions that could question the integrity of match officials. Coote has also faced disciplinary action from UEFA. In 2024, European football’s governing body suspended him from officiating until June 30, 2026, after a video emerged showing him snorting a white powder while working at Euro 2024. Also Read: Uncertainty looms over Chinnaswamy stadium hosting Women’s World Cup after stampede fallout However, the Football Association previously cleared him of a separate charge related to an allegation from 2019, which claimed he had discussed showing a yellow card before a Championship match between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion. The incident referred to a booking given to Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski in October 2019. Coote denied the allegation and stated he has always upheld the integrity of the game. “Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life, they have never affected my decision-making on the field. I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability,” the statement read. Also Read: 'Want me to send child out of stadium?' Mid-match drama steals spotlight as Emma Raducanu halts match over crying baby | WATCH

Rule E3 deals with improper conduct that brings the game into disrepute, including insulting words or behaviour, while it also covers actions that question the integrity of match officials

David Coote, former Premier League referee handed two-month ban by FA. Here's why

UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate Premier League referee David Coote after a video emerged of him allegedly snorting a white powder during Euro 2024.

It comes after English referees body PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) said it was taking fresh allegations about Coote "very seriously".

The 42-year-old was suspended by the PGMOL on Monday after video footage appeared on social media in which he is seen making disparaging remarks about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Coote's comments about the German are also being investigated by the Football Association.

On Wednesday, another video appeared on the Sun newspaper's website, which it said showed Coote snorting a white powder during Euro 2024 in Germany, where he was officiating.

European football's governing body, UEFA, which had already suspended Coote, has now opened an investigation into his conduct.

"A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the UEFA disciplinary regulations by the referee Mr David Coote," it said in a statement.

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"Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course."

A PGMOL spokesman said on Wednesday that the organisation was aware of the second video.

"We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation," said a PGMOL spokesman.

"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. We are not in a position to comment further at this stage."

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate Premier League referee David Coote after a video emerged of him allegedly snorting a white powder during Euro 2024.

UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate Premier League referee David Coote after a video emerged of him allegedly snorting a white powder during Euro 2024. It comes after English referees body PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) said it was taking fresh allegations about Coote "very seriously". The 42-year-old was suspended by the PGMOL on Monday after video footage appeared on social media in which he is seen making disparaging remarks about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Coote's comments about the German are also being investigated by the Football Association. On Wednesday, another video appeared on the Sun newspaper's website, which it said showed Coote snorting a white powder during Euro 2024 in Germany, where he was officiating. European football's governing body, UEFA, which had already suspended Coote, has now opened an investigation into his conduct. "A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the UEFA disciplinary regulations by the referee Mr David Coote," it said in a statement. ALSO READ | MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit and Dravid wasted 10 years of my son's career, claims Sanju Samson's father "Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course." A PGMOL spokesman said on Wednesday that the organisation was aware of the second video. "We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation," said a PGMOL spokesman. "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. We are not in a position to comment further at this stage." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UEFA launches investigation against Premier League referee David Coote

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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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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."

<h2>Coote’s ‘rough’ relationship with Liverpool</h2>

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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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)

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.

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 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)

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

Premier League referee Mike Dean will not officiate this weekend after he and his family received online death threats following two controversial incidents.

The 52-year-old referee sent off West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek for catching Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic with his elbow on Saturday, days after dismissing Southampton defender Jan Bednarek at Old Trafford.

Dean reviewed the incidents on the pitchside monitor after consulting VAR before making his decisions. Both have since been overturned on appeal.

The referee asked to be stood down from the next round of Premier League fixtures and was not included on the match officials list for the forthcoming weekend, though he will be in charge of Wednesday's FA Cup tie between Leicester and Brighton.

Professional Game Match Officials Board managing director and former referee Mike Riley offered Dean the organisation's full support.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the threats to Dean and his family were "inexcusable" and called for more action from social media companies.

Soucek also spoke out against the abuse levelled at Dean, tweeting that decisions "made on the pitch should stay on the pitch".

"There is no place for abuse of any kind," he said. "It is in the past and I'm now focused on the rest of the season."

Premier League managers mobilised in support of Dean, with Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder labelling the abuse "inhumane".

"Mike Dean is an honourable referee and a decent guy, and these guys are doing their best, as the players and coaches are," he said.

"They don't deserve it. It's disgusting, the individuals need nailing and I wish I could nail them in my way, but I won't be allowed to.

"We've all been subjected to the abuse and I think it's cowardly, disgusting and inhumane. It isn't football and it isn't life. No-one should be able to get away with it."

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho said that criticism of officials like Dean on a professional level was inevitable, but threatening his family was completely unacceptable.

"I think something has to be done. Because one thing is professional life and what we do in our professional lives, and the success we have, the mistakes we make, the frustrations we have," Mourinho said.

"Another thing is to go to the private life and go to the social life. And then, of course, something has to be done."

Premier League referee Mike Dean will not officiate this weekend after he and his family received online death threats following two controversial incidents. The 52-year-old referee sent off West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek for catching Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic with his elbow on Saturday, days after dismissing Southampton defender Jan Bednarek at Old Trafford.

Premier League referee Mike Dean will not officiate this weekend after he and his family received online death threats following two controversial incidents. The 52-year-old referee sent off West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek for catching Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic with his elbow on Saturday, days after dismissing Southampton defender Jan Bednarek at Old Trafford. Dean reviewed the incidents on the pitchside monitor after consulting VAR before making his decisions. Both have since been overturned on appeal. The referee asked to be stood down from the next round of Premier League fixtures and was not included on the match officials list for the forthcoming weekend, though he will be in charge of Wednesday's FA Cup tie between Leicester and Brighton. Professional Game Match Officials Board managing director and former referee Mike Riley offered Dean the organisation's full support. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the threats to Dean and his family were "inexcusable" and called for more action from social media companies. Soucek also spoke out against the abuse levelled at Dean, tweeting that decisions "made on the pitch should stay on the pitch". "There is no place for abuse of any kind," he said. "It is in the past and I'm now focused on the rest of the season." Premier League managers mobilised in support of Dean, with Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder labelling the abuse "inhumane". "Mike Dean is an honourable referee and a decent guy, and these guys are doing their best, as the players and coaches are," he said. "They don't deserve it. It's disgusting, the individuals need nailing and I wish I could nail them in my way, but I won't be allowed to. "We've all been subjected to the abuse and I think it's cowardly, disgusting and inhumane. It isn't football and it isn't life. No-one should be able to get away with it." Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho said that criticism of officials like Dean on a professional level was inevitable, but threatening his family was completely unacceptable. "I think something has to be done. Because one thing is professional life and what we do in our professional lives, and the success we have, the mistakes we make, the frustrations we have," Mourinho said. "Another thing is to go to the private life and go to the social life. And then, of course, something has to be done."

Premier League ref misses game after death threats