NEWS
Half-Time Scandal: Suspended referee allegedly planned drug party mid-match
The drama surrounding suspended Premier League referee David Coote has escalated, with shocking new allegations claiming he used halftime during a high-stakes match to arrange a drug-fueled party.
According to reports by The Sun, Coote, 42, allegedly sent texts during Manchester City’s Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham in October, organizing a narcotics-fueled gathering at a Travelodge hotel room. The disgraced referee reportedly booked the room just before the match’s kick-off and messaged his contact about the arrangement during halftime.
Read More:
David Coote errors that cost Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp
Caught in the Act: Premier League Referee under investigation
Coote’s questionable conduct on that fateful night has raised eyebrows, particularly regarding his focus on the game as the fourth official. A source close to the referee claimed:
“When he messaged me at half-time, I thought it was surreal. Surely he should have been concentrating on the game, not arranging drug parties.”
These accusations are only the latest in a string of controversies that have tarnished Coote’s reputation.
David Coote was recently suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after a video surfaced of him calling Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp a “German ****” and mocking Liverpool FC.
In another clip, a man alleged to be Coote is seen snorting a white powder, reportedly filmed during Euro 2024 in a UEFA-funded hotel room.
The source who received Coote’s halftime messages also claimed the referee demanded reimbursement of £73.99 when the planned meet-up fell through, adding another bizarre twist to the saga.
The timing of Coote’s alleged actions has sparked questions about the pressures of refereeing and the support systems in place for officials. While the PGMOL and UEFA have suspended him pending investigations, the revelations point to deeper issues in the management and conduct of high-profile referees.
In response to the mounting allegations, the PGMOL released a statement emphasizing its commitment to Coote’s welfare while investigating the claims. UEFA echoed this, stating they acted swiftly to suspend David Coote when his inappropriate behavior came to light.
Fans and pundits have expressed shock over Coote’s actions, with many calling for stricter oversight and accountability among referees. Social media has been rife with outrage, with one fan tweeting:
“This is beyond unprofessional. How can we trust referees when stories like this emerge? Football deserves better!”