Scandal-hit Premier League ref’s shocking smear on Scotland captain Robertson

REF David Coote snorted white powder in a shocking video while he officiated at  Euro 2024 — amid claims he called Tartan Army hero Andy Robertson a “Scottish p***k”.

In an eight-second  clip, which he sent to a pal, the under-fire official is wide-eyed as he uses a rolled-up US banknote to sniff what appears to be cocaine.

5

5

Coote, 42, was suspended this week after a separate video emerged of him, again wide-eyed, calling former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a “German c***”.

The new footage was taken on July 6 — a day after he was a support VAR official at the Euro quarter-final clash between Portugal and France.

He pinged the WhatsApp video to a pal from his Uefa-funded hotel room in Germany.

Coote sent another photo from Frankfurt on July 1,  showing  a saucer with six lines of powder.

The friend, who wishes to remain anonymous, reveals that the English referee also insulted  Scotland and Liverpool ace Robbo, 30, in a series of video chats over the summer.

They told The Sun: “He said to me Liverpool would definitely not win the Premier League.

“It just makes me question the kind of people running the Prem. He also described Andy Robertson as a ‘Scottish p***k’.

“The video of him bad-mouthing Klopp didn’t surprise me at all.”

Hampden Hall of Famer Robertson is poised to land his 80th international cap in coming days.

Coote was suspended by the PGMOL refs’ governing body this week after a video showed him abusing Liverpool and their then-manager Klopp. 

An investigation is under way and the FA is initiating its own probe.

As the scandal grew this week, Uefa also took him off its roster for the  upcoming international games.

The pal is speaking out to highlight Coote’s apparent drug-taking  around big games over the past few months — as well as further inappropriate comments.

They said: “I believe the FA and the governing body of the referees have to make sure the sport we all love is protected and being officiated by the right people. My message to David Coote  is — ‘there’s help out there’.”

5

Shocking video in full

First man: “What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier when you were fourth official?”

Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm Liverpool were s***.”

First man: “What did you think of Jurgen Klopp?”

Second man (allegedly Coote): “C***, absolute c***.”

First man: “Why would you say that Jurgen Klopp is a c***?”

Second man (allegedly Coote): “Erm, aside from having a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown.

“Then, he accused me of lying and then just had a right f***ing pop at me – and I’ve got no interest in speaking to somebody whose f***ing arrogant.

“So I do my best not to speak to him. [James] Milner is alright, I get on with Milner.”

First man: “James Milner, he gets on with James Milner.”

Second man (allegedly Coote): “You can see me there with mask on.”

First man: “Mask on, obviously.”

Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yea Covid, got to be done. Social distancing right? We’re two meters apart.”

First man: “We have to social distance.”

Second man (allegedly Coote): “Yep, so but [exhales] my God. German c***, f*** me.”

First man: “Long story short, Jurgen Klopp’s a c***, Liverpool are all f***ing b******s, we hate Scousers.”

Second video

Second man (allegedly Coote): “Right just to be clear, that f***ing last video cant go anywhere, seriously.”

First man: He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not f***ing ruin his career.

“Like let’s face we’re good blokes but we can’t ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad. Also he’s a f***ing legend.”

Second man (allegedly Coote): “So, yeah.”

First man: “So lets not ruin his career.”

5

A PGMOL spokesperson said last night: “We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. 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  that he needs through this period.” 

Scotland captain Robertson is poised to land his 79th cap when he leads Steve Clarke’s side into their Nations League clash against Croatia on Friday night.

The match has NOT been picked up by TV broadcasters, but fans can still tune in to the Hampden action.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page