MIke Dean
Howard Webb, the chief of The Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL), has spoken out about the controversial video allegedly featuring Premier League referee David Coote. On the show Mic’d Up, where Webb reviews contentious refereeing decisions, he commented on how PGMOL is handling the situation, confirming the seriousness of the investigation.
Howard Webb said “We became aware of a video that’s been circulated on social media that we are taking very seriously. And there’s not much more I can say at this stage until we work through that investigation.”
Amidst the ongoing investigations, Coote has been suspended. Mike Dean, in his discussion with Sky Sports, empathized with Coote’s situation, reflecting on the impact of the incident on Coote’s personal and professional life.
Mike Dean said “I texted him yesterday – he’s still a colleague in a way – just to see how he was. And he replied with a message that I wouldn’t disclose to anybody. But he’ll be devastated today, like most of the referees will be devastated that somebody has actually gone and done this video.”
Dean continued by considering the potential implications for Coote’s career, acknowledging both the challenges and the supportive understanding within the refereeing community.
Mike Dean said “I don’t think he’s damaged his career beyond repair… With all this media attention, would David want to still carry on refereeing? It doesn’t just affect David but his friends and his family as well. So does he want to put himself through it yet again?”
