Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended after a video surfaced allegedly showing him making offensive comments about Liverpool FC and former manager Jurgen Klopp. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) announced Coote’s suspension pending a full investigation into the remarks, raising concerns about referee impartiality.
Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended following the release of a video that allegedly shows him making offensive remarks about Liverpool FC and its former manager, Jurgen Klopp. In the video, which has gained traction on social media, a man believed to be Coote is heard calling Liverpool “s***” and referring to Klopp with a slur. He also reportedly recounts previous interactions with Klopp, describing him as “arrogant” and expressing a preference to avoid engaging with him. However, the man in the video also mentions having a positive view of Liverpool’s James Milner.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), responsible for managing Premier League referees, issued a statement confirming Coote’s immediate suspension while an investigation is conducted. PGMOL refrained from further comment until the investigation is completed.
This development has sparked concern about potential bias and unprofessionalism within the officiating community. Coote had officiated Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on November 9, though the video appears to have been recorded earlier. The suspension underscores PGMOL’s commitment to maintaining integrity and neutrality among officials, and it has pledged to address the situation thoroughly.
