David Coote: PGMOL is aware of a new video that seems to show a Premier League referee who has been suspended.
"We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously," the PGMOL said in response to the most recent footage that seemed to show suspended David Coote. Our top priority remains David's welfare, and we're determined to give him the continuous assistance he requires.
The PGMOL has acknowledged that it is aware of a recent video that purports to capture Premier League referee David Coote, who was suspended, sniffing white substance during his purported duties at Euro 2024 last summer.
The Sun released the most recent footage, which follows Coote's suspension by the PGMOL on Monday for a different video that seemed to show him disparaging Liverpool and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp.
A representative for Professional Game Match Officials Ltd. told Sky Sports News on Wednesday in response to the most recent video: "We are aware of the claims and are treating them very seriously. Until a thorough inquiry is conducted, David Coote is still suspended.
"David's well-being is our first priority, and we're determined to give him the continuous assistance he requires throughout this time. At this point, we are unable to provide any additional commentary.
The Football Association has also been contacted by Sky Sports News for comment.
The FA opened an inquiry earlier this week into a different video that went viral on social media and seemed to show Coote disparaging Liverpool and Klopp.
UEFA announced Coote's suspension earlier in the week on Wednesday night.
A UEFA spokesperson informed Sky Sports News: "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."
Speaking on Tuesday, Webb: This is being taken seriously by PGMOL.
The earlier video footage, which seemed to show Coote criticising Klopp and the Anfield team, including mentioning the German's nationality, started making the rounds on the internet on Monday.
After PGMOL suspended him pending a thorough investigation, the FA announced that it was looking into the situation as well.
In an interview with Match Officials Mic'd Up on Sky Sports on Tuesday, PGMOL chief referee Howard Webb stated: "We are treating a video that was making the rounds on social media extremely seriously. We have started a thorough inquiry.
"David Coote, one of our referees, has been suspended effective immediately while that inquiry is ongoing.
"There is not much more I can say at this stage until we have worked through that investigation."
