Latest news with #PGMOL
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE David Coote should have been sacked by PGMOL but the reaction to the leaked Jurgen Klopp insult video was overblown, renowned referee Mark Clattenburg tells new Mail football podcast
David Coote deserved to be sacked by PGMOL after admitting to taking cocaine but the global reaction to a leaked video where the former referee insulted former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was overblown, Mark Clattenburg has told Whistleblowers, a new Mail football podcast, in partnership with Wickes TradePro. World-renowned referee and co-host of the new podcast Clattenburg compared the video, which appeared to show an intoxicated Coote calling the German manager a '****', to 'bantering in a pub'. He added that not enough is done to protect referees from the pressures of the game at the highest level. Whistleblowers is a brand-new football podcast hosted by broadcaster Gordon Smart, Mail Football Editor Ian Ladyman, and ex-elite referee Mark Clattenburg. From what really goes on in the referee's room, to how clubs spin crises and who's pulling the strings behind the scenes - Whistleblowers brings the inside stories only those at the heart of the game can tell. Asked whether Coote had been unfairly treated by PGMOL, Clattenburg said: 'No because if he had a problem with drugs, he should have gone to them for support. 'They would have supported him. Forget the Liverpool stuff – that's bantering in a pub. I have been guilty of it with friends in the past. 'Unfortunately, now, with recording devices and stuff, the world's changed but we've all been in the pub and had a bit of banter about football. I have probably said things about managers and players. 'I am not sure that was a career-ending moment for him. It was the drug issue, certainly in high-profile matches. 'Coote allowed that to come out without any mechanism in place. I think that's where his career became difficult.' Clattenburg, who has refereed nearly 400 Premier League matches and the 2016 Champions League final, said he had some sympathy for Coote after the video surfaced. 'As a referee, if you don't speak a little bit – they call you arrogant', Clattenburg said. 'When you're out, you always try to manage situations – people are always asking what such and such is like. 'You try and make a joke out of it – but with jokes nowadays, nobody knows what level you're actually having that joke at.' Co-host Ladyman shared Clattenburg's sympathy for Coote but said the video did the 'whole refereeing community a huge disservice' by fuelling fans' suspicions about bias in officiating. Doorbell footage originally shared by The Sun showed Coote working as a delivery driver as he serves out his 16-month suspension from football. The original Klopp video was allegedly recorded back in 2020 after Liverpool's controversial 1-1 draw against Burnley, which saw Andy Robertson angrily confront the English referee after not being awarded a penalty. 'So many people out there in the weird world we live in now are conspiracy theorists', Ladyman said. 'Football supporters these days are convinced that referees are genuinely acting against their club. What Coote did played to that. 'It gave substance to the lunatic fringe and their theories - it gave them credibility.' To listen to the first episode of the brand new Daily Mail series, where Mark Clattenburg sensationally admits to the existence of 'Fergie time', search Whistleblowers now, wherever you get your podcasts. You can also watch on YouTube. New episodes are released every Thursday.
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Irish Daily Mirror
Shamed Premier League referee's surprising new job after sacking
Ex-Premier League referee David Coote has been seen delivering parcels for Evri, following his dismissal by the PGMOL in December. The-42 year-old faced repercussions after a clip emerged online showing him criticising Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. Coote was subsequently slapped with a 16-month UEFA suspension from refereeing, which is set to expire in June 2026. Another video purportedly showing Coote inhaling white powder also circulated; this incident is alleged to have occurred during the 2024 European Championships, where he was on duty. Currently barred from officiating, Coote has turned to courier work close to his Newark residence. A couple recently got quite the surprise when they spotted the former referee on their Ring doorbell, delivering a package to their doorstep. He's employed by a delivery company near his Nottinghamshire home and is seeking to rebuild his life. "I want to get on with my life," he expressed, according to the Sun. "I'm trying to move forwards and regain a sense of responsibility and purpose. The job is keeping me busy and occupied, it's not a new long-term career," reports the Mirror. During his time as an official, Coote took charge of 112 matches in the Premier League and 143 in the Championship. He also refereed the Carabao Cup final at Wembley between Manchester United and Newcastle in 2023. However, he's set for at least another year away from the sport following UEFA's decision in February. Earlier this year, he opened up about his struggles, saying, "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."
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Disgraced ref David Coote spotted in new job as he comes face to face with Liverpool fan
Six months on from his sacking by the PGMOL, former Premier League referee David Coote has been seen working in a completely different job as he moves on with his life Former Premier League referee David Coote has taken up a new role as a package delivery driver for Evri. The 42-year-old was dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December after a video circulated on social media showcasing him criticising Liverpool and their then-manager, Jurgen Klopp. Following this incident, Coote was handed a 16-month ban by UEFA, disqualifying him from officiating until June 2026. An additional video surfaced of him allegedly snorting white powder, which was also alleged to have taken place during the 2024 European Championships. With his current ban from refereeing, Coote can instead be found delivering parcels in the vicinity of his residence in Newark. Ironically, it was a Liverpool supporter who made the shock discovery when they opened the door and saw the ex-official going about his delivery duties, with the interaction caught on their Ring doorbell. The homeowner told the Sun: "'My husband's a Liverpool fan and what David said didn't go down well. "My husband had ordered a part for a vehicle he's working on and recognised David. He said, 'He's delivering packages now.' I was like 'Oh my gosh, is he really?'" Working at a courier service near his home in Nottinghamshire, Coote is seeking a renewed sense of direction. Per the Sun, he said: "I want to get on with my life. I'm trying to move forwards and regain a sense of responsibility and purpose. The job is keeping me busy and occupied, it's not a new long-term career." As well as his work as a courier, Coote has also been embarking on other noteworthy challenges while he is not allowed to return to the pitch. He ran the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in May, raising money for his uncle Mick who is currently battling motor neurone disease. Throughout his career, Coote refereed a total of 112 Premier League matches and 143 games in the Championship, reports the Mirror. Notably, he officiated the 2023 Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium, a match contested between Manchester United and Newcastle. However, he's looking at another year away from the sport following UEFA's decision in February. "This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life," he admitted earlier this year. "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."
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
David Coote's new life after refereeing ban with drastic career change caught on camera
David Coote's new life after refereeing ban with drastic career change caught on camera David Coote was sacked by the PGMOL in December and a surprised resident within his local area was shocked to see him working in a completely different job David Coote is currently banned from refereeing (Image: Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images ) In the space of six months, ex-Premier League referee David Coote has gone from handing out red cards to giving out parcels for Evri. The 42-year-old official was dismissed by the PGMOL in December following a video that emerged on social media showing him criticising Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. Subsequently, Coote received a 16-month UEFA suspension from refereeing duties, which is set to conclude in June 2026. Another video allegedly depicting the official snorting white powder also circulated, with other reports claiming this incident occurred during his time at the 2024 European Championships. Now he is currently barred from officiating, Coote has taken up a courier role close to his Newark residence. A couple was notably surprised when they spotted the former official delivering a package to their doorstep via their Ring doorbell. Coote, who is employed by the delivery company near his home in Nottinghamshire, expressed his desire to move forward and find meaning in his life again. "I want to get on with my life," he said, per the Sun. "I'm trying to move forwards and regain a sense of responsibility and purpose. The job is keeping me busy and occupied, it's not a new long-term career." During his tenure as a referee in England, Coote presided over 112 Premier League matches and 143 Championship fixtures, reports the Mirror. He also officiated the Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle at Wembley in 2023. Article continues below As well as delivering parcels for Evri, he has also been challenging himself in his spare time. He ran the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, where he fundraised for his uncle Mick, who is currently living with Motor Neurone Disease. Coote has been keeping himself busy (Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images ) However, he is set to spend at least another year away from the sport following UEFA's decision in February. "This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life," he confessed earlier this year. "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. Coote took charge of 112 Premier League matches (Image: Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images ) Article continues below "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, 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."
Metro
2 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
David Coote spotted in surprise job after being sacked as Premier League referee
David Coote has been seen in a surprise new role after losing his job as a Premier League referee in December. The 42-year-old was initially suspended in November and then fired by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after leaked videos put the official at the centre of controversy. In one clip he was seen insulting former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and in another he was snorting white powder. PGMOL confirmed that 'Coote's actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable.' He was also hit with a 16-month UEFA ban in February for breaching 'the basic rules of decent conduct' and bringing 'the sport of football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute'. With his officiating career in tatters, Coote has returned to work in a very different capacity. The Sun revealed in images from a couple's Ring doorbell that Coote is now delivering parcels for Evri near his home in Newark, Nottinghamshire. Explaining his new job, Coote said: 'I'm just trying to make an honest living. I want to get on with my life. I'm trying to move forwards and regain a sense of responsibility and purpose. The job is keeping me busy and occupied, it's not a new long-term career. 'I'm doing what I want to do, focusing on what's important like spending more time with friends and family.' Coote, who refereed over 100 Premier League games, spoke out in January after being at the centre of the scandal. In an emotional interview he came out as gay and explained that he had used cocaine during his career as an 'escape' to the pressures of his job. 'It's not something I was reliant on day by day, week by week, month by month,' an emotional Coote told The Sun. 'I've had long periods where I've not used it — but it was one of the escape routes I had. 'Just getting away from the stresses, the relentlessness of the job. It fills me with a huge sense of shame to say that I took that route. 'I don't recognise myself in the cocaine video. I can't resonate with how I felt then, but that was me. 'I was struggling with the schedule and there was no opportunity to stop. And so I found myself in that position – escaping.' 'Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into David Coote's conduct, his employment with PGMOL has been terminated today with immediate effect. '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 explained that struggling to accept his sexuality contributed to his drug use having had a 'deep sense of shame' since his teenage years. 'I didn't come out to my parents until I was 21. I didn't come out to my friends until I was 25,' he said. 'My sexuality isn't the only reason that led me to be in that position. But I'm not telling an authentic story if I don't say that I'm gay, and that I've had real struggles dealing with hiding that. 'I hid my emotions as a young ref and I hid my sexuality as well – a good quality as a referee but a terrible quality as a human being. And that's led me to a whole course of behaviours. 'I put on this hard exterior. Football became a place where I could go and referee and be engrossed in the game. 'But then I'd come home and it would be more difficult because I'm living a double sense of being. 'To other people who are in my situation, I'd say seek help and talk to somebody because if you bottle it up like I have done it has to come out in some way.' In a leaked video, Coote was asked what he thinks of Jurgen Klopp and replies: 'C**t. Absolute c**t.' The referee continued: 'Aside from having a right pop at me when I refereed them against Burnley in lockdown, then he accused me of lying and then just had a right f****g pop at me. More Trending 'I have no interest in speaking to someone who is f*****g arrogant. So I do my best not to speak to him. Milner's alright. Get on with Milner. 'My God. German c**t. F**k me.' He later said of the comments: 'I want to apologise to anybody who I've offended by my actions. 'I recognise that they fell well short of standards that are expected of a top level referee and I deeply regret saying what I said.' MORE: Arne Slot travels for Liverpool talks with £33.7m Manchester City transfer target MORE: Bruno Fernandes makes final decision over Manchester United exit after 'crazy' Al Hilal transfer offer MORE: Gary Neville makes early Premier League title prediction: 'I've got to double down!'
