A video has surfaced allegedly showing suspended Premier League referee David Coote snorting a white powder in a hotel room while officiating at Euro 2024. The eight-second clip, leaked on Wednesday night, appears to capture Coote using a rolled-up banknote to inhale the substance.
Coote, who was already under suspension by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following a previous incident, now faces further scrutiny. In an earlier video, he was reportedly heard making offensive remarks about Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and the Liverpool football team. Consequently, UEFA suspended Coote from officiating European matches.
The latest video is reported to have been recorded on July 6, a day after the Euro 2024 quarter-final match between Portugal and France, where Coote served as a support VAR official. The alleged recording took place in a hotel room funded by UEFA.
Responding to the allegations, a PGMOL spokesperson stated: “We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation. David’s welfare is of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to providing him with necessary support throughout this period.”
UEFA confirmed Coote’s suspension on November 11 upon learning of his alleged misconduct. Further comments have been withheld as investigations continue.
