Audio By Carbonatix
Premier League official David Coote has been sacked by referees' body the PGMOL following a "thorough investigation" into his conduct.
Coote, 42, was suspended by the PGMOL (the Professional Game Match Officials Limited) on 11 November pending a full investigation after a video allegedly showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and the club's former manager Jurgen Klopp was circulated on social media.
A further investigation was opened two days later after the Sun published photos it says were taken during this summer's European Championship, alleging that they appear to show Coote sniffing a white powder through a rolled up US bank note.
The PGMOL said Coote's actions made his position "untenable".
Neither the pictures nor the video have been verified independently by the BBC.
"David Coote's actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract," the PGMOL said.
"Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare."
Coote has the right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment.
Latest Stories
-
US and Iran hold talks as fears of direct conflict continue
1 minute -
Watch: Mahama catches lady from falling at Zambia summit
22 minutes -
Kwegyir Essel: Ghana’s energy sector on the right track, but renewable expansion must prioritise affordability and grid stability
30 minutes -
Useless Column: Zongo la chichi
33 minutes -
Mahama Ayariga calls for visa-free Africa, open skies and single biometric passport
41 minutes -
Newsfile to discuss KIA renaming controversy, NPP unity test and inflation drop
44 minutes -
COCOBOD rejects claims of misuse of farmers’ funds for new vehicles
53 minutes -
Easier to tour west than Africa – Mr Eazi outlines border challenges for creatives
1 hour -
5 aspirants chase Ayawaso East NDC ticket on Saturday
1 hour -
DJ Wallpaper brings out Medikal, Kojo Blak, Kofi Mole, Lalid at Vibe Experience 2026
1 hour -
Zambian President says he will order more fugu after viral social media debate
1 hour -
We are working on solutions to pay struggling cocoa farmers – COCOBOD
1 hour -
GNFS provides tips for applicants facing login, password issues
2 hours -
Farmers decry drop in prices of maize, beans prices in Atebubu-Amantin
2 hours -
Only approved uniforms permitted for private security operators – Authority
2 hours
