Referee David Coote Suspended Amid Inquiry Over Alleged Video Targeting Liverpool and Klopp

Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following the circulation of a video allegedly showing him making disparaging remarks about Liverpool FC and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp. The suspension is effective immediately as an investigation is conducted.

Coote, 42, officiated Liverpool’s recent 2-0 victory over Aston Villa and has been a prominent referee in the Premier League since 2018. The video in question appears to reference a match between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020 that ended in a 1-1 draw, during which Klopp voiced criticism of Coote’s officiating for not calling fouls on challenges against Liverpool players.

In the video, a man who is said to be Coote discusses Klopp’s post-match comments, calling the former Liverpool manager “arrogant” and using profanities. The video, lasting just over a minute, shows the man in conversation with another individual. The origin and context of the video remain unknown.

PGMOL has stated it will refrain from further comment until the investigation is concluded.