PGMOL statement on latest video appearing to show suspended David Coote: "We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. 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"
Thursday 14 November 2024 20:57, UK
The PGMOL has confirmed it is aware of a new video which appears to show suspended Premier League referee David Coote snorting a white powder while reportedly working at Euro 2024 in the summer.
UEFA, European football's governing body, has also confirmed it is investigating Coote over a potential violation of its disciplinary regulations, having suspended the official earlier this week.
The latest video, which has been published by The Sun, comes after Coote was suspended on Monday by the PGMOL for a separate video that appeared to show him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp.
The Sun report that the video was made on July 6, the day after the Euro 2024 quarter-finals in which Coote officiated as the assistant VAR.
Following the latest video, a spokesperson for Professional Game Match Officials Ltd told Sky Sports News on Wednesday: "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."
UEFA issued a statement on Thursday confirming its investigation, which read: "A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the UEFA disciplinary regulations by the referee, Mr David Coote.
"Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course."
Sky Sports News has also contacted the Football Association for comment.
The previous video footage, appearing to show Coote making derogatory remarks about Klopp, including reference to the German's nationality, and the Anfield outfit, began circulating online on Monday.
He was subsequently suspended by PGMOL pending a full investigation, and the FA then said it was also investigating the matter.
PGMOL chief refereeing officer Howard Webb speaking on Match Officials Mic'd Up on Sky Sports said on Tuesday: "We became aware of a video that was being circulated on social media that we are taking very seriously. We've instigated a full investigation.
"One of our referees, David Coote, has been suspended with immediate effect, pending the outcome of that investigation.
"There is not much more I can say at this stage until we have worked through that investigation."
