Premier League referee Coote suspended over derogatory comments on Liverpool and Klopp

The Refereeing body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) confirmed on Monday that Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended after allegedly making derogatory comments on Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp in a bombshell video leaked online. "David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete," said the statement.

It is unclear when the video was made or how it came into circulation but the clip appears to be showing a man who appears to be David Coote talking to another man while sitting on a sofa. The footage looks to be taken after a Liverpool game with Coote being asked: "What did you think of the Liverpool game earlier?"

Coote allegedly responded by saying: "Liverpool were s***." The man then continued as he asked: "What do you think of Jurgen Klopp?" To which Coote responded: "C***. Absolute c***. "Aside from having a right pop at me when I refereed them against Burnley in lockdown, he accused me of lying then had a right f****** pop at me. I've got no interest in speaking to someone who's f****** arrogant. So I do my best not to speak to him. James Milner's alright."

The Englishman continued, as he talked about a match in which he was acting as fourth official. "You can see me there [in a picture on his phone] with a mask on. Got to careful right, we're social distancing, we're two metres apart. But my God, German c***. F*** me," he said. The video ended as Coote stating that he did not want the video to be shared, as he firmly said: "Just to be clear, that f****** last video can't go anywhere. Seriously."

Coote, 42, has been a Premier League referee for six years and has, most recently, refereed Liverpool's 2-0 win against Aston Villa on Saturday. He has also overseen various Liverpool games during Klopp's time at Anfield. Despite Coote being suspensed, the PGMOL's probe is currently in the preliminary stages. Liverpool and the FA are yet to comment on the circumstances, though they have been contacted to do so.

 

November 11, 2024