David Coote doesn’t exercise his right to appeal


 
 
 
 
 
 

Earlier this month, we reported (see below) that David Coote had been sacked.

PGMOL acting after investigating his conduct.

The referees’ body saying that the actions of David Coote had made his position untenable.

Now BBC Sport have reported that their sources have told them that Coote won’t exercise his right to appeal against the decision of PGMOL to dismiss him.

BBC Sport report – 24 December 2024:

‘Former Premier League official David Coote will not appeal against his dismissal from referees’ body the PGMOL.

Coote, 42, was sacked earlier this month following a “thorough investigation” into his conduct by the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited).

He had the right to appeal, but sources have told BBC Sport the official has decided against doing so.

BBC Sport has contacted Coote for comment.

Coote was suspended by the PGMOL on 11 November pending a full investigation after a video allegedly showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and the club’s former manager Jurgen Klopp was circulated on social media.

A further investigation was opened two days later after the Sun published photos it says were taken during this summer’s European Championship, alleging that they appear to show Coote sniffing a white powder through a rolled up US bank note.

Neither the pictures nor the video have been verified independently by the BBC.

The PGMOL said Coote’s actions made his position “untenable”.

The organisation is continuing to offer support to Coote, having previously said it was “committed to his welfare”.

Coote is also under investigation by the Football Association and Uefa over his conduct.’

The Mag report – 9 December 2024:

‘David Coote has now been sacked.

PGMOL acting after investigating his conduct.

BBC Sport reporting (see below), along with other media, the news on Monday afternoon.

PGMOL saying that the actions of David Coote had made his position untenable.

BBC Sport report – 9 December 2024:

Premier League official David Coote has been sacked by referees’ body the PGMOL following a “thorough investigation” into his conduct.

Coote, 42, was suspended by the PGMOL (the Professional Game Match Officials Limited) on 11 November pending a full investigation after a video allegedly showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and the club’s former manager Jurgen Klopp was circulated on social media.

A further investigation was opened two days later after the Sun published photos it says were taken during this summer’s European Championship, alleging that they appear to show Coote sniffing a white powder through a rolled up US bank note.

The PGMOL said Coote’s actions made his position “untenable”.

“David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract,” the PGMOL said.

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

Coote has the right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment.

The Football Association has also been investigating allegations that Coote discussed giving a yellow card before a Championship match between Leeds and West Brom in 2019.

Coote denied any wrongdoing and said the allegation was “false and defamatory”.