Keith Hackett shares key update on David Coote- Liverpool investigation
Keith Hackett believes the PGMOL investigation into David Coote’s leaked Liverpool footage will last “some weeks” as they look to come to the correct conclusion.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former PGMOL chief, ex-FIFA, and Premier League referee was adamant that the PGMOL “have a duty of care towards Coote” after the
Coote is currently suspended after allegations over his conduct when footage was leaked of him verbally trashing Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp, while another video of him snorting a white substance was also revealed.
However, the FA are now investigating a new allegation after Coote allegedly discussed giving a yellow card to a fan before Leeds United’s 2019 fixture against West Brom.
Coote has refuted those claims, but it could see the wait time for an official verdict on his future be extended.
Liverpool fans will have to wait a while before a David Coote verdict
Hackett told Football Insider, “It will be some weeks and the reason it will be some weeks is that it has to be thoroughly investigated.
“They’ll no doubt have experts looking at the film to ensure it’s genuine, that it’s not a fake, that can be easily achieved in fairness, but you don’t know how long experts take.
“They will then go through the interview process with the referee, likely to take at least a day.
“If there are any witnesses that are available, again, they’ll be going through that particular process and if we think Coote could well be a member of Unite, the union, which a lot of referees are, then they will have to put up their case.
“So, what will happen is the PGMOL will investigate, they then have to go through a charge process with that charge.
“They have to provide sufficient information to the lawyers who are going to represent David Coote, and then it will go to a formal hearing and the panel has got to be selected for that.
“Everything is so important because we are on employment law here.
“The one thing that is important when we look at everything that has been done and the negative aspects of that in terms of refereeing around the world, the PGMOL have a duty of care towards Coote.
“So, it’ll be a thorough investigation, they’re not allowed to say anything.
“Howard Webb will have been advised very clearly and I would suggest the group of referees as well that they’re not to comment on this particular case while it’s in process, so I think it’ll be several weeks.”
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