Premier League referee David Coote, 42, faces multiple investigations after videos surfaced showing him allegedly engaging in drug use during Euro 2024.
The footage, dated July 6, captures Coote reportedly snorting a white powder with a rolled-up US dollar note, with prescription drugs and a credit card in view.
UEFA has since suspended Coote, removing him from their officiating roster pending an investigation.
On the heels of this, additional videos have come to light, reportedly filmed in Frankfurt on July 1 and during the Paris Olympics, in which Coote appears to engage in similar behaviour.
Oh no, David Coote caught doing cocaine, he’s really is finished as a referee!
The video is apparently from the 2024 Euros where he was officiating 😳pic.twitter.com/OEnrTMtSu1
— Football Hub (@FootbalIhub) November 13, 2024
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), already aware of one video showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool’s former manager Jürgen Klopp, suspended Coote pending further inquiry.
UEFA, the FA, and the PGMOL are all actively investigating his actions.
In addition to drug use, Coote is accused of making abusive remarks about Klopp, a breach that the FA is addressing under its rule E3, which pertains to improper conduct.
The referee’s alleged comments and behaviour have raised wider concerns over pressures within the officiating community.
A spokesperson for PGMOL said, “We are taking these allegations with utmost seriousness and are offering Coote our full support through this process.”
BREAKING: Video released of Premier League ref David Coote snorts white powder in shocking video during Euro 2024. @TVKev | @IsabelOakeshott pic.twitter.com/BbwbqbkMGq
— Talk (@TalkTV) November 13, 2024
The unfolding scandal has sent shockwaves through the football community, with fans and officials alike calling for transparency and reform in refereeing standards.
UEFA has appointed a disciplinary inspector to oversee Coote’s case, marking a rare instance of such an investigation in European football.
