The refereeing body says it is taking the allegations ‘very seriously’
The PGMOL has said it is aware of a new video which appears to show referee David Coote snorting white powder with a bank note.
This week, Coote was suspended by the refereeing body after footage emerged of him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp.
Now, the Sun has published another video which appears to show the referee snorting white powder through a rolled up US bank note.
The publication claims the alleged incident took place whilst the 42-year-old was working at Euro 2024 last summer.
In a statement regarding the video, a spokesperson for the PGMOL said 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.”
According to the Sun, images of Coote were sent to a friend on more than one occasion during EURO 2024.
Along with being suspended by the PGMOL, Coote has also been suspended by UEFA and the FA have launched an investigation into the initial video.
UEFA said they suspended the official on November 11 when it “became aware of his inappropriate behaviour.”
A spokesperson said in a statement: “The Uefa Referees Committee immediately suspended David Coote until further notice on 11 November – in advance of the upcoming round of Uefa matches – when it became aware of his inappropriate behaviour.”
Coote has yet to publicly respond to the video footage.
