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Second video of scandal-hit referee allegedly appears

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A second controversial video clip has been released allegedly involving EPL referee David Coote. (AP PHOTO)
Camera IconA second controversial video clip has been released allegedly involving EPL referee David Coote. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AAP

England's professional referees organisation says it is "taking very seriously" a new video that has emerged allegedly showing scandal-hit Premier League official David Coote snorting white powder.

Comments Coote is alleged to have made about former Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and the club in previous video footage have led to him being suspended by Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) and investigated by the body and the Football Association (FA).

On Wednesday evening (UK time), another video appeared on the Sun newspaper's website which it said showed Coote snorting white powder during the summer's Euros in Germany, where he was officiating.

"We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously," A PGMOL spokesperson said.

"David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation.

"David's welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period. We are not in a position to comment further at this stage."

The Sun said the video was taken on July 6, which is the day after the Euro 2024 quarter-final clash between Portugal and France, for which Coote was an assistant VAR.

"The UEFA Referees Committee immediately suspended David Coote until further notice on November 11 - in advance of the upcoming round of UEFA matches - when it became aware of his inappropriate behaviour," a statement from UEFA said.

The FA has the power to investigate remarks made in a private context and it is understood part of its investigation will centre on whether remarks about Klopp's nationality constitutes an aggravated breach of its misconduct rules.

PA has approached the FA for comment regarding the Sun's story.

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