Investigation into referee culture called for after shock David Coote videos – but witch hunt not needed
Yesterday at 05:16 PM
An investigation into referee culture in the Premier League is needed after the release of the two videos of David Coote.
That’s the take of talkSPORT’s Hugh Woozencroft, who believes Coote’s behaviour demonstrates the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd needs to take a deep look into what could be a bigger problem within the organisation.
Earlier this week, footage posted to X allegedly showed Premier League referee Coote making X-rated comments about Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp.
Then, two days after being suspended from his duties by the PGMOL and UEFA, new footage of Coote allegedly snorting a white substance, thought to be cocaine, at Euro 2024 emerged.
In response, the PGMOL said: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation.
“David's welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period. We are not in a position to comment further at this stage."
But Woozencroft says the body will need to go beyond just investigating Coote.
Reacting to the second video on Wednesday, he said on Kick Off: “I think its imperative that we hear something sooner rather than later from the PGMOL.
“We can’t have silence from this body. It is so important to know we have integrity moving forward.
“We can’t return with the Premier League – albeit I think this has come at the right time for them in terms of the international break and giving them a little bit of time with their officials out of the limelight in English football to find out what’s been going on.
“[They need] to ask all the referees, not just David Coote, we need to find out now. What is the life of a referee truly like? Is this happening because of the pressures in the game?
“Are those comments made regarding Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp because of what’s happening on the touchline?
“Is there a resolution to this that can help all officials sooner rather than later, and hopefully football as a whole?
“But they do need to tell us what they know as soon as possible, and I think that’s only fair to football fans.”
talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook agreed, saying: “We do need an update on where their investigation is at.
“I think we need confirmation, on the record, that David Coote has admitted that first video was authentic.”
But while he believes Coote needs to be investigated, Crook believes a ‘witch hunt’ on him should be avoided.
He continued: “There is some clarity needed. It’s not an easy situation for Howard Webb at a time when referees are probably more scrutinised than they’ve ever been.
“A lot of that have been brought on themselves, but you make a really good point. We don’t know the pressures that come with being a top level referee.
“Some of the language David Coote used in that video, while we don’t agree with it, it’s clearly unacceptable from someone in his position, I would imagine he would claim that he’s been subjected to similar language while carrying out his refereeing responsibilities.
“So maybe, this is just a sign of a guy who is under intense pressure and he’s cracked under that pressure.
“I hope wherever he is tonight, he’s getting the help that is needed. There is a danger here that this becomes a witch hunt.
“And that doesn’t help anyone.”
Former Chelsea and Charlton star Scott Minto was alongside Woozencroft in the studio, and he believes that while Coote’s career is ‘in tatters’, he needs support.
“With friends like that, who needs enemies?” he said, regarding the report in The Sun that a pal of Coote’s had sent the powder video to the newspaper.
“Clearly that is about money.”
He continued: “This has gone to another level now. I don’t know if he’s got a problem. If he has, or whether he hasn’t, he needs a bit of counselling.
“Clearly there is going to be issues there on a personal level, both for him and his family.
“But on a professional side, he just quite clearly has to be taken out of the game. Certainly for the short term.
“Whether he can ever be reintegrated? I’m all for redemption, and people can make mistakes. Sometimes you need a big shock to make you realise you can’t do this.
“We don’t know his personal issues right now, but at this moment in time he cannot be refereeing. Not just in the Premier League but anywhere for a period of time.”
He concluded: “At this moment in time his career is in absolute tatters.”
UEFA – the organisers of Euro 2024 – also issued a statement on Coote’s alleged behaviour during the tournament.
It read: “The UEFA Referees Committee immediately suspended David Coote until further notice on November 12 – in advance of the upcoming round of UEFA matches – when it became aware of his inappropriate behaviour.”
