Shamed referee David Coote learns fate over 'white powder video at Euro 2024'

David Coote was sacked in November after a video surfaced on social media and the governing body of the European game have now handed out further punishment to the former Premier League official

Ex-Premier League referee David Coote has been handed a year-long UEFA ban from officiating.

The 42-year-old was sacked in December by the PGMOL after a video of him slamming Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp surfaced on social media. He decided not to appeal that decision. A further video of the official allegedly snorting white powder was then shared. The incident was alleged to have taken place during the 2024 European Championships, where he was an official.

And UEFA, who appointed an ethics investigator to probe Coote, have now come down hard on the referee, who will now be unable to referee any matches on the continent until at least next summer.

A statement from football's European governing body read: "Mr David Coote Incidents and sanction: General principles of conduct, Art. 11(1) DR, Violating the basic rules of decent conduct, Art. 11(2)(b) DR, Bringing the sport of football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute, Art. 11(2)(d) DR, Ban from exercising any UEFA refereeing activity until 30 June 2026."

Coote issued a statement in the aftermath of the videos being released and apologised for his actions. It read: "This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life. I take full responsibility for my actions, which fell way below what was expected of me.

"I am truly sorry for any offence caused by my actions and for the negative spotlight it put on the game that I love. I hope people will understand that they were private moments taken during very low times in my life. They do not reflect who I am today or what I think.

"My focus now is on continuing to prioritise my mental health and wellbeing. I hope that my experiences, both on and off the field, can be utilised in football at some point in the future.

"Finally, I want to thank everyone who has supported me recently, in particular my family, friends, former colleagues, PGMOL and Howard Webb, and countless people across football.

"Special thanks also to the many strangers who have reached out with words of encouragement and support, I have appreciated it more than I can properly express."

Coote is also under an FA investigation after they launched a betting probe into a Championship match between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion in October 2019 that Coote refereed. It was alleged that Coote discussed booking Leeds star Ezgjan Alioski with a fan online before taking charge of the match. However, he has denied any wrongdoing in that particular instance.

A PGMOL statement confirming his sacking read: "Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into David Coote's conduct, his employment with PGMOL has been terminated today with immediate effect.

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"David Coote's actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable. Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare. David Coote has a right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment."

Coote oversaw 112 Premier League games and 143 games in the Championship during his refereeing career. He was also the man in the middle for the 2023 Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle at Wembley - a game that the Red Devils won 2-0.

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