Michael Owen missed Match Officials Mic’d Up on Tuesday night – just 24 hours after a scandal involving referee David Coote erupted.
A video went viral on social media on Monday afternoon that appeared to show Coote worse for wear as he branded Liverpool ‘s***’ and called the club’s former manager Jurgen Klopp a ‘German ****’.
Coote has been suspended by the PGMOL pending a full investigation, and referees’ chief Howard Webb was expected to be grilled by Owen on Coote’s conduct.
However, as the show that scrutinises refereeing decisions began, it quickly became clear that Owen was nowhere to be seen.
Instead, he was replaced by Everton legend Leon Osman, who swiftly explained that Owen was absent due to being on holiday.
Michael Owen usually hosts Match Officials Mic’d Up to grill Howard Webb on refereeing decisions
But Owen missed Tuesday night’s episode as he was replaced by Everton legend Leon Osman
The episode aired 24 hours after a video went viral of referee David Coote branding Liverpool ‘s***’ and Jurgen Klopp a ‘German ****’
Webb broke his silence on the scandal at the start of Tuesday night’s episode
Osman wasted little time in asking Webb for his verdict on Coote.
Webb replied: ‘We became aware, Leon, of a video that was being circulated on social media that we are taking very seriously. We’ve instigated a full investigation. One of our referees, David Coote, has been suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of that investigation.
‘There’s not much more I can say at this stage until we’ve worked through that investigation.’
The FA are also conducting their own investigation into Coote, which could result in him being charged by the governing body.
Their probe could see Coote handed a harsher penalty because of his reference to Klopp’s nationality.
FA rules state that an ‘aggravated breach’ includes a reference ‘whether express or implied, to race and/or colour and/or ethnic origin and/or nationality’.
UEFA has confirmed Coote will not be selected for any European matches while both investigations are ongoing.
Coote now faces an uncertain future in England, with many viewing his position as untenable.
However, Mail Sport understands that he could be handed an escape route in Saudi Arabia if he is sacked by the PGMOL.
Fellow Premier League referee Michael Oliver has previously officiated in the Middle East, and this could emerge as an option for Coote.
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