English arbitration is going through a new zone of turbulence. David Coote, one of the Premier League’s most experienced referees, finds himself at the center of a scandal that could end his career. A compromising video, showing him in a suspicious situation and insulting former Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp, has caused shock waves in the world of English Football. Later, another sequence broadcast by the press reveals him sniffing a white powder, before it is indicated by the media The Suna League Cup match.
David Coote is one of the highest paid referees in the Premier League, a league notable for the generous salaries it grants to its officials. According to figures revealed by The MirrorEnglish elite referees earn between £73,000 and £147,000 (87,400 to 176,000 euros) per year, to which are added £1,116 (€1,336) per match officiated and performance bonuses. Coote, as a senior referee, would be paid around £100,000 (€120,000) a year, a similar level to former officials like Mike Dean.
Towards an early end to the career of referee David Coote?
However, the benefits of this privileged status are now overshadowed by the serious accusations against him. If the video proves to be authentic, Coote could be suspended long-term or even dismissed by the English arbitration authorities, the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited).
Reactions to this scandal were quick. Football figures such as Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher, and Ian Wright have expressed differing opinions on Coote’s future. If some, like Neville and Keane, believe that a suspension would be sufficient, Carragher and Wright consider his return to the Premier League fields unlikely.
At the same time, football authorities, notably the FA and UEFA, have opened investigations to shed light on these accusations. PGMOL manager Howard Webb has also faced criticism over the handling of officials, having recently admitted a VAR error in a match between Manchester United and West Ham.
