The referee declined to comment when approached by a reporter from the ECHO’s sister site.
David Coote has declined to comment on the ongoing situation surrounding his suspension.
The referee is currently being investigated by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after a video circulated online in which Coote appeared to make derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former boss Jurgen Klopp.
Another video has emerged which appears to show the 42-year-old snorting a white powder, which was said to have been shot during Euro 2024 where he was officiating. UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate the under-fire referee.
Days after his suspension, a reporter from our sister site, NottinghamshireLive, introduced themselves to Coote at his home address. The referee hails from a village in Nottinghamshire and Coote answered the door at his home today.
However, Coote made it clear he did not want to comment on the situation as he responded “absolutely not” before closing the door of the property. Coote has been a Premier League referee for six years, but his position could now be at risk due to videos being shared online.
Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) immediately suspended Coote pending a full investigation when that video was posted, and says it is also taking the white powder video “very seriously”.
UEFA suspended Coote on Wednesday and has now opened an investigation into his conduct. A statement read: “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.
Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course. Coote’s comments about Klopp are also being investigated by the Football Association.
