The 42-year-old Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended pending a full investigation following the emergence of a video allegedly featuring him using an expletive to describe former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. The comments reportedly refer to a Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020, during which Klopp criticized Coote for failing to call fouls on challenges against his players.
David Coote pic.twitter.com/AhI52sMmpL
— LiverpoolFF (@LiverpoolFF) November 11, 2024
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has imposed the suspension with immediate effect, refraining from further comment until the investigation concludes. The authenticity of the video remains uncertain, including when it was recorded. In the footage, Coote expresses his disdain for Klopp, using explicit words to describe him and stating that he avoids speaking to him.
Coote’s last match was Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Aston Villa on Saturday. Liverpool’s record with Coote as referee includes five wins (three in cup competitions), one draw, and two losses (both in cup competitions). As a VAR official, Coote has overseen six Liverpool wins, three draws, and three losses.