Premier League Referee David Coote Embroiled in Scandal as New Video Evidence Surfaces

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
14/11/2024 20h05

**Scandal Deepens for Premier League Referee David Coote with New Video Evidence**

The controversy surrounding Premier League referee David Coote continues to escalate with the release of a new video showing him in a compromising situation. The Sun, a British tabloid known for its controversial reportage, has published a video allegedly depicting Coote snorting a white powder while on duty at Euro 2024 in Germany. The video, reportedly taken on July 6, the day after Coote served as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for a quarterfinal match between Germany and Spain, has come to the attention of the English soccer referee association (PGMOL).

In response to the video, the PGMOL released a statement indicating that they are taking the allegations seriously. A spokesperson stated, "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."

The video in question appears to show Coote using a rolled-up U.S. dollar bill to snort the white powder in a hotel room provided by UEFA, which he reportedly recorded himself and sent to a friend. According to The Sun, a spy thriller novel titled "The Year of the Locust" by Terry Hayes is visible nearby in the footage. Additionally, a friend of Coote revealed that his dislike for Liverpool extended beyond the previously leaked videos, mentioning derogatory remarks about Liverpool’s left-back Andy Robertson and local rival Everton.

While criticism for substance use in a professional setting is inevitable, it's the broader implications of Coote's conduct that have raised concerns. The referee’s seemingly deep-seated biases and unprofessional behavior are part of PGMOL’s ongoing investigation into this situation.

The repercussions of this scandal aren't limited to Coote alone. Ben Kitt, who appears in the initial set of leaked videos and is a former professional cricket player, has also faced consequences. Kitt has been suspended from his role at Forsyth Barnes, an executive recruiting firm that collaborates with soccer clubs including Real Madrid and Manchester United. The firm's co-founder, Roheel Ahmad, confirmed the suspension, noting that the videos were taken before Kitt joined the company. According to Ahmad, Kitt had shown a strong work ethic and dedication during his tenure.

In related reports, a source close to Kitt expressed his profound disappointment over the leaks and stated that Kitt "has no idea how it's come out at all.” The source claimed that Kitt considered Coote a close friend and that the video was originally shared within a WhatsApp group related to Nottinghamshire cricket.

As the investigation proceeds, the ripple effects of these revelations could have significant consequences for those involved. Parties close to both Coote and Kitt continue to grapple with the fallout from what can be described as a scandalous and damaging sequence of events.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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