Legendary referee calls for SEVERE David Coote punishment

The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) on Monday suspended Premier League referee David Coote.

Coote, 42, was captured on film insulting Liverpool and making personal remarks about former manager Jurgen Klopp. The official has since confirmed that it was him in the video and PGMOL has launched a full investigation.

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Former referee chief Keith Hackett believes the organisation has acted decisively in suspending Coote for his alleged behaviour and called on PGMOL to mete out ‘the most severe’ sanction if found guilty.

Keith Hackett calls for 'severe' punishment

“Since taking over as the head of Professional Game Match Officials Ltd at the beginning of last season Webb has had to tackle various controversies and issues, which has derailed his attempt to clean up the mess left by the previous administration,” Hackett wrote in his column in The Telegraph.

“But none will be bigger than what has just fallen upon him because Coote’s comments put the integrity of match officials at stake. Questions remain about whether PGMOL was aware of this video prior to it surfacing given it is believed to have been recorded four years ago and, if it was not, why not?

'A sad day' for officials

“It is common knowledge that while he was manager of Liverpool, Klopp was animated on the touchline and would regularly be seen hurling heated words towards officials. However, it is imperative that every referee enters every game with a clean slate and does not let previous experiences influence decision-making.

“Under Webb’s leadership the PGMOL has looked chaotic from an outside perspective but it has acted decisively in suspending Coote and launching a full investigation.

“Coote’s comments made yesterday a sad day for officials and if the Football Association and PGMOL find him guilty they will have no choice but to hand him the most severe of punishments because if they do not the footballing world’s faith in officiating will be dealt a major blow.”

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