A controversial video involving Premier League referee David Coote has caused an uproar on social media.
Story Summary:
- Premier League referee David Coote is under investigation after a viral video shows him making controversial remarks about Liverpool and former manager Jürgen Klopp.
- Coote has been suspended by PGMOL pending further investigation, while he reportedly disputes the authenticity of the video.
- Known for officiating top-tier matches, Coote’s career includes notable moments, including a contentious Merseyside derby decision that raised questions about his neutrality.
Watch: David Coote goes viral over comments made in this video
In the footage, Coote reportedly makes derogatory comments about Liverpool and its former manager, Jürgen Klopp.
The video captures Coote saying, “Liverpool were sh*t,” followed by a slur directed at Klopp.
He elaborates further, sharing past tensions between himself and Klopp, recalling when the Liverpool manager allegedly “had a right pop” at him over refereeing decisions, especially during a lockdown match against Burnley.
Coote then allegedly expresses his disinterest in interacting with someone he described as “f***ing arrogant.”
Why he was suspended
Following the circulation of the video on social media, PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) quickly issued a statement confirming Coote’s suspension.
They stated:
“David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”
The incident comes after a series of reported tensions between Klopp and match officials during his tenure as Liverpool manager, including a well-known dispute with referee Paul Tierney.
In addition to the video of Coote’s comments, another clip has surfaced where Coote allegedly cautions viewers, saying,
“Just to be clear, that last video can’t go anywhere, seriously,” suggesting he was aware of the potential repercussions of his statements.
Coote, however, reportedly disputed the video’s authenticity, though the footage’s origins remain unverified.
Who is David Coote?
David Coote is an English football referee affiliated with the Nottinghamshire Football Association, primarily officiating in the Premier League.
His career began at 16, rising through local leagues before joining the Football League list in 2010.
In 2018, Coote made his Premier League debut, later officiating key matches like the 2023 EFL Cup Final between Manchester United and Newcastle United.
In the 2020–21 season, Coote was also involved in a controversial Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton.
Serving as the video assistant referee, he faced backlash for not intervening in a tackle by Everton’s Jordan Pickford on Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, which led to a serious injury for the Liverpool defender.
This incident, alongside his recent video remarks, has intensified scrutiny of his career.
