Newcastle United’s disgraced Carabao Cup final referee makes major career decision
David Coote managed Newcastle United’s heartbreaking Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United in February 2023.
Former Premier League referee David Coote will not appeal the PGMOL’s decision to terminate his contract with immediate effect.
The 42-year-old was fired earlier this month following an investigation over comments which surfaced on social media. A video, which is believed to have been from the 2020-21 season, went viral and shows Coote making derogatory remarks about ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The PGMOL - the body responsible for refereeing games in English football - placed him on suspension pending a further investigation. With his career in limbo, further videos allegedly showing Coote snort white powder in a hotel room during Euro 2024 emerged.
Further talk of alleged match fixing - a claim Coote strenuously denies - were also published by The Sun. The authorities were left with no choice but to cut ties with Coote earlier this month.
"Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into David Coote's conduct, his employment with PGMOL has been terminated today with immediate effect,” a statement read. “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."
The Daily Mail claim Coote has decided against appealing his dismissal and acknowledges he will never officiate in England. A career highlight for the Nottingham native came in February 2023 when he refereed Newcastle United’s 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester United.