David Coote: PGMOL says official ‘aware of support network available’ as investigation continues

David Coote is “aware of the support network available to him” as the investigation into the officer continues, the PGMOL said.

Nottinghamshire official Coote, 42, was suspended by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) on November 11 pending a full investigation after a video emerged in which he appeared to make highly derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former head coach Jurgen Klopp.

A day later, The Sun published a video in which Coote appeared to snort a white powder. The newspaper said the video was recorded during Euro 2024, where Coote worked as VAR.

Tournament organizer UEFA said it had appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate the matter.

On Thursday, PGMOL issued an update through a spokesperson saying: “We are following an internal process and are taking the allegations surrounding David Coote's conduct very seriously as part of our ongoing, full and thorough investigation.

“While David remains suspended, his well-being remains important to us and he is aware of the support network available to him.”

Coote's comments about Klopp are also being investigated by the Football Association.

The FA has the power to investigate comments made in a private context and it is understood part of its investigation will focus on whether comments about Klopp's nationality constitute an aggravated breach of its misconduct rules.

Those images have not been verified, but are believed to be treated as authentic by PGMOL.

The Sun said the video of Coote snorting a white powder was taken on July 6, the day after the Euro 2024 quarter-final between Portugal and France, for which Coote was assistant VAR.

Speaking on Match Officials Mic'd Up on Sky Sports the week the video emerged, PGMOL chief referee Howard Webb said: 'We became aware of a video circulating on social media which we take very seriously. I have launched a full investigation.

“One of our referees, David Coote, has been suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of that investigation.

“I can't say much more at this stage until we complete that investigation.”