Keith Hackett believes that David Coote will never work in the Premier League again after the anti-Liverpool video and clips of his private life leaked online.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA and Premier League referee claimed “the images are very telling” about Coote’s behaviour.
Coote is currently suspended while a thorough investigation takes place into the videos that have surfaced about him as he was caught slating Jurgen Klopp and claiming that “Liverpool were s***” after a game where he worked as a fourth official.
A further video has since been released of Coote snorting a white powder while away working at Euro 2024, adding to the controversy surrounding him.
David Coote will ‘never work in the Premier League again’ after Jurgen Klopp claims
Hackett told Football Insider, “I don’t think there’s any way back (for him to work in the Premier League again).”
“Clearly, the images are very telling.
“I’ve been in that position as the boss of PGMOL, suspending two referees during my period in office, and on both situations, the referees themselves were exonerated after a thorough investigation.
“That took time, and this will likely take time, a lot of people think this is Howard Webb’s domain, but it really moves towards the board of directors.
“We have to understand that PGMOL is funded and financed by the Premier League, the Football League, and the FA.
“A representative high up, usually the CEO, sits on the board of directors with an independent chairman.
“This will be handled by them, and they will set up a small group to investigate, if needs be, they’ll then bring expertise in – i.e. an investigation expert, a barrister, employment lawyers.
“The reality is, from what I’ve seen, there’s no question that the referee has been stupid and while it may have been during COVID, the PGMOL have a duty of care.
“What we’ve seen, and the evidence that’ll go before the panel, if he’s found guilty then there’s no way back.”