Premier League referee, David Coote has confirmed he will not appeal his recent dismissal after a scandal involving drug use and offensive comments.

The 42-year-old official was sacked by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) earlier this month following a probe into troubling videos that surfaced online.

David Coote was caught on film snorting what appeared to be cocaine in a hotel room during Euro 2024 in Germany. In an eight-second WhatsApp clip, the ref was seen using a rolled-up banknote to inhale a white powder, with a wide-eyed expression.

The footage caused shockwaves across the football world, and the PGMOL swiftly launched an investigation.

In addition to the drug incident, Coote was also filmed making derogatory comments about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, calling him a “German c**t” in a separate video that surfaced on social media.

The scandal escalated when reports emerged that Coote had attempted to arrange a drugs party during a Carabao Cup match between Tottenham and Manchester City in late October. Coote was serving as the fourth official for that game.

PGMOL stated that Coote’s actions were in serious breach of his contract, rendering his position untenable.

They also confirmed that he was being investigated in relation to a separate betting probe.

The loss of Coote’s career, which is expected to cost him £1 million in earnings, marks a dramatic fall from grace for a once-respected official in English football.

Coote, who has remained out of the public eye since the scandal broke, has decided not to challenge the decision to end his career as a Premier League referee.