November 12 – One of the top referees in the English Premier League has been suspended with immediate effect. David Coote was allegedly caught on video allegedly making derogatory comments about Liverpool FC and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp.
The video, which is making the rounds on social media appears to show Coote and a friend sitting on a sofa and being asked about Liverpool and Klopp. The date of the video is unclear, however, what is clear is Coote’s alleged response to his thoughts on the Reds. Coote replies that they are ‘Sh*t’ and when asked about Klopp, his language is incendiary describing the charismatic manager as a German ‘C**t’ to which his friend giggles.
Coote seemed to describe his animosity to Klopp stemmed from an incident during the Covid-19 era. In a match versus Burnley during Project Restart, Klopp was highly critical of the officiating team (Coote – pictured with Klopp – was the 4th official) after the match stating that they missed fouls on Liverpool players and didn’t award his team freekicks. The game finished 1-1.
In the video, Coote, also describes Klopp as “arrogant” and accused him of lying in relation to events surrounding the Burnley match.
Coote adds: “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**king pop at me. I’ve got no interest at speaking to someone who’s f**king arrogant. So I do my best not to speak to him … My God, German c**t, f**k me.”
Coote who is from Nottingham, and is a registered Notts County fan is unable to officiate County and Nottingham Forest matches per PGMOL rules.
Last weekend Coote refereed Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa without controversy and is widely known as one of the Premier League’s most experienced officials.
In a separate video, Coote appears to ask viewers not to share the original recording. “Just to be clear, that last video can’t go anywhere, seriously,” he says. The friend says: “He’s a Premier League referee, let’s not ruin a bloke’s career. We’re not that bad.” So much for friends!
Professional Game Match Officials Ltd said: “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1734949276labto1734949276ofdlr1734949276owedi1734949276sni@o1734949276fni1734949276