Richard Keys has come to the defence of disgraced referee David Coote after his alleged Jurgen Klopp and drug scandal.
Keys has publicly defended Coote after he was suspended by referees’ body PGMOL earlier this week. They are investigating the video that features derogatory comments about the former Liverpool boss.
Furthermore, UEFA announced they are investigating a second video which allegedly shows Coote snorting white powder. This was apparently recorded during Euro 2024, whereby Coote was refereeing.
The eight-second clip shows a man – understood to be Coote – using a rolled up bank note to inhale the unknown substance in a hotel room.
It’s widely accepted that if proven guilty, Coote’s Premier League career is well and truly over. However, Keys believes all is not lost for the Nottinghamshire official.
Keys and former Sky Sports colleague Andy Gray left their presenting roles when sexiest comments about a female linesman were leaked in 2011. They have since continued their careers with different broadcasters.
Richard Keys Backs David Coote To Make EFL Refereeing Return
“Clearly Coote can’t ref again in the PL, but to destroy his life over this would be wrong. Right now he’s in a very dark place. I’ve been there,” Keys wrote on his blog.
“I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t continue with his job in the EFL. I know I’ve argued that PL refs shouldn’t be demoted to the EFL when they’re in poor form, and I stand by that, but this is different.
“If we genuinely believe in ‘well being and mental health’ we have no choice but to sanction Coote and then let him get on with his life. Anything else might lead to a devastating outcome. I’ve nearly been there.”
Keys went on to stress that the second video of Coote should open up an avenue for referees to be randomly drug tested. At the time of writing, many believe that is a viable option moving forward.
If Coote does quit, which many expect to happen, it’s likely he is set to lose over £1 million in earnings. He currently pockets approximately £100k per-season.
The PGMOL are expected to make further updates about Coote’s scandal in due course.
