A video has emerged of suspended Premier League referee David Coote allegedly snorting a white powder during the Euros in the summer.
Coote was suspended by the PGMOL pending an investigation on Monday after a video was leaked online of him branding Liverpool ‘s***’ and their former manager Jurgen Klopp a ‘German **
Now, an eight-second WhatsApp clip obtained by The Sun appears to show Coote rolling up a US bank note before using it to snort a white substance.
According to The Sun, the video is from July 6, the day after Coote was the support VAR official for France’s quarter-final win over Portugal.
A PGMOL spokesperson said: ‘We 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.’
Coote was suspended by the PGMOL on Monday after a video was leaked online of him making disparaging comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp.
In the video of Coote allegedly snorting the white powder are packets of prescription drugs, a credit card, and the Terry Hayes novel The Year of The Locust.
The Sun’s report claims Coote sent the clip to a friend from his hotel room that was paid for by UEFA.
The Sun also alleges Coote sent his friend a separate photo on July 1 of his credit card on a saucer alongside six chopped-up lines of white powder.
His friend, who has not been named, reportedly claims Coote made disparaging remarks about Everton Football Club, including calling Goodison Park the worst place to officiate due to fans ‘shouting abuse so close to the pitch’.
The friend also alleges Coote labelled Liverpool defender Andy Robertson a ‘Scottish p****’, while saying in video chats that the Reds ‘will not win the Premier League’ this season.
Arne Slot’s side are currently five points clear at the top of the table after 11 games.
Coote may have landed himself in more hot water just two days after being suspended for his comments about Liverpool and Klopp.
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In addition to the PGMOL’s investigation, the FA are also looking into Coote’s behaviour.
The top-flight official could receive a harsher sanction from the FA because he made reference to Klopp’s nationality.
FA rules state that an ‘aggravated breach’ includes a reference ‘whether express or implied, to race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin and/or nationality’.
UEFA has confirmed Coote will not be selected for any European matches while the PGMOL and FA investigations are ongoing.
