David Coote, one of the English Premier League referees, was sacked “with immediate effect” due to “indefensible” actions, as the local referees committee announced on Monday, after he insulted former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp.
The Referees Committee suspended Cote on November 11 and opened an investigation into a videotape showing him insulting Klopp during a private session.
It is not clear when the video was filmed or how it was circulated, but according to the clip, Cote said that Klopp was “arrogant” and also used offensive phrases towards him.
Another investigation was opened two days later after The Sun newspaper published photos it claimed were taken during the European Cup last summer and showed Cote inhaling a white powder through a rolled up American banknote.
The English referees committee considered that the actions of Coote (42 years old) were “indefensible.”
She added, “Investigations showed that Cote’s statements constitute a serious violation of the terms of his employment contract,” and added, “Therefore, his contract was terminated today with immediate effect.”
Cote has the right to appeal the termination of his contract, noting that he denied committing any violations, indicating that all allegations directed against him are “false and defamatory,” adding, “Whatever my personal problems were, they never affected my decisions on the field.”
The last match that Cote officiated was between Liverpool and Aston Villa (2-0) on November 9.
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