Premier League referee David Coote is suspended pending an investigation into new allegations involving inappropriate remarks and drug-related imagery

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has announced that it is taking new allegations against Premier League referee David Coote “very seriously,” following the emergence of a video and photographs that have raised concerns about his conduct. The 42-year-old official, who has been part of the Premier League’s officiating team since 2018, has been suspended from his duties while a full investigation takes place.

The controversy began this week when the Sun newspaper published a video that allegedly shows Coote making disparaging remarks about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. The video was reportedly taken during a recent match and has led to significant scrutiny of Coote’s professionalism on and off the pitch.

However, the situation escalated further when the Sun also released photographs purportedly taken during this summer’s European Championship, in which Coote appeared to be sniffing a white powder through a rolled-up US bank note. The images are said to have been captured while Coote was working as a match official at the tournament, which has raised serious questions about his behaviour and personal conduct.

PGMOL, the body responsible for overseeing refereeing standards in English football, responded swiftly to the allegations. A spokesperson confirmed that Coote has been suspended, stating: “We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation. David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period. We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”

The suspension comes as a blow to Coote’s career, as he had been steadily rising through the ranks of English officiating since his Premier League debut. His role at the Euros earlier this year, as part of the officiating team for the prestigious tournament, had been seen as a significant achievement in his career.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, PGMOL’s focus remains on ensuring Coote’s well-being throughout the ongoing investigation. The governing body has emphasised that it is committed to a thorough and impartial inquiry into the matter, with a decision to be made once all facts are reviewed.

The emergence of these allegations has sparked a wider conversation about the behaviour of match officials, both in terms of their professional conduct during matches and their actions off the field. Referees, who often face intense scrutiny for their decisions on the pitch, are now under increased pressure to maintain high standards of personal and professional integrity, particularly given the rise of social media and the increasing public visibility of their actions.

As the investigation into David Coote continues, many will be watching closely for further developments. PGMOL’s handling of the situation will be critical in determining how such allegations are addressed within the world of professional football officiating, particularly as the sport continues to grapple with issues surrounding accountability, transparency, and the personal conduct of those in charge of officiating matches