Sacked Premier League referee David Coote linked to £10,000-a-time career

Former Premier League referee David Coote is reportedly eyeing a career as an after-dinner speaker with fees of up to £10,000 per event. Following a 'thorough investigation' by the referees' governing body, PGMOL, which saw him ousted due to his behaviour, including being recorded making derogatory remarks about Liverpool and the team's ex-manager Jurgen Klopp, Coote, who has a degree in law, is said to be planning a lucrative speaking stint.

According to a source: "David is going to let the dust settle a bit before hitting the after-dinner circuit and he reckons he will make a fortune." They added, "He is talking figures like £10,000 and he knows he will be in demand from people willing to pay big money to hear about his story and anecdotes from the game."

The source also said: "He's got some really explosive stuff about other figures in the game that will make him a popular speaker for sure." High-profile referees such as Howard Webb and Pierluigi Collina command substantial speaking fees, with Webb earning up to £15,000 and Collina charging around £25,000. Coote has been subject to multiple investigations regarding his conduct, reports the Daily Star.

The PGMOL concluded that Nottinghamshire referee Coote's actions had rendered his position 'untenable'. The PGMOL stated: "David Coote's actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract," and added, "Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare."

Coote has the right to appeal against the decision to terminate his employment. The PGMOL first took action against Coote on 11 November following the release of a video on social media, which allegedly showed him criticising Liverpool and their former manager Klopp.

The video seemed to refer to a Premier League match that Coote officiated between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Klopp criticised Coote after the game, accusing the referee of failing to award fouls for challenges made on Liverpool's players.

The FA opened a new investigation following an allegation that Coote had discussed giving a yellow card before a Championship match between Leeds and West Brom in 2019. A report claimed Coote exchanged messages with a fan discussing giving a yellow card before and after the game.

Coote denied any wrongdoing and labelled the allegation as "false and defamatory". The exchange referred to a booking Leeds defender Ezgjan Alioski received in the match from Coote. There is no suggestion of any financial gain by Coote and the booking is regarded as entirely correct.