Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended after a video allegedly surfaced on social media, in which he is heard making derogatory remarks about Liverpool and the club’s former manager, Jurgen Klopp.
The refereeing organization, PGMOL, announced that Coote’s suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place pending a full investigation.
The video has circulated widely online but has not been authenticated by the BBC, leaving its timing and validity uncertain. However, a source told the BBC that PGMOL is proceeding under the assumption that the video is genuine.
Coote, aged 42, officiated Liverpool’s recent 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. He is among the Premier League’s most seasoned referees, having officiated top-flight matches since 2018.
The video appears to reference a July 2020 Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley, which ended in a 1-1 draw. After that game, Klopp criticized Coote for not penalizing what he viewed as fouls on Liverpool players.
In the video, the man alleged to be Coote recalls Klopp “having a go” after he refereed that Burnley match during the lockdown, describing Klopp as “arrogant” and using profanity several times.
The video lasts slightly over a minute and features Coote with another man. Details surrounding its release are unclear, and PGMOL has declined further comment until its investigation concludes.
BBC Sport reports that Liverpool is aware of the video but has chosen not to comment at this time.
Coote, who is also a respected Video Assistant Referee at an international level and officiated at the recent Paris Olympics, will miss his scheduled officiating duties in the Nations League this week and next.
Rick Parry, chairman of the English Football League, confirmed PGMOL’s swift response to the matter, saying, “They’ve suspended him and are handling it thoroughly and professionally.”
Referees must disclose their favorite teams to PGMOL. Coote, a Notts County supporter, is therefore restricted from officiating Notts County or Nottingham Forest matches.
The 2020 Burnley-Liverpool Match
In July 2020, with Liverpool’s Premier League title secured, the club aimed to win every home game that season. They were on a 24-game winning streak at Anfield, giving them a substantial lead over Manchester City.
Liverpool hoped to become only the second club to reach 100 points in a 38-game season, replicating Manchester City’s feat in 2017-18.
In the Burnley match, Andrew Robertson scored for Liverpool, but Jay Rodriguez equalized, leaving both teams with a point. After the final whistle, Klopp was seen disputing calls with Coote and his team, later saying that while Liverpool was frustrated with the officiating, they ultimately needed to take responsibility for not finishing the game.
Liverpool’s pursuit of 100 points came to an end in their following match against Arsenal.
🚨 Official: PL referee David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation.
PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete. pic.twitter.com/CZFIbP8E1F
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 11, 2024
Liverpool performance and stats
Liverpool is currently 1st in the Premier League with 28 points.
In the last 11 games, it has won 9 times, drew once, and lost once. In its last match, Liverpool won 2-0 against Aston Villa.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 21 goals and conceding 6.
Liverpool will play the next match in Premier League against Southampton on Sunday 24th of November in Southampton.
