David Coote: PGMOL takes new allegations about Premier League referee ‘very seriously’

New allegations surrounding Premier League referee David Coote are being taken “very seriously”, says Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL).

Coote was suspended by PGMOL – the organization that administers English football’s top officials – on Monday after a video emerged online of him making offensive remarks about Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager.

Wednesday night, The Sun published a video which showed someone they claimed was Coote sniffing white powder through a rolled-up US bill.

The Sun reported that the video was from July 6, a day after the Euro 2024 quarter-final between France and Portugal in Hamburg, where Coote was the support VAR.

Athletics has been unable to verify the video or confirm Coote’s identity, but PGMOL responded when asked to comment on it.

“We are aware of the allegations and take them very seriously,” a PGMOL spokesman said. “David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation.

“David’s welfare remains of the utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs throughout this period.

“We are unable to comment further at this time.”

UEFA suspended Coote from officiating in its competitions on November 11, two days before The Sun published its video.

European football’s governing body said on Thursday it had appointed a UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate the 42-year-old for a “potential breach” of its rules.

Coote is also subject to an FA investigation for a potential breach of its rules in relation to his comments about Klopp.

Athletics have attempted to contact Coote for comment.

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