The Football Association (FA) has launched an investigation after a video that surfaced online showed Premier League referee David Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp. Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) announced on Monday that Coote, 42, has been suspended while the investigation is underway.
The FA is examining Coote’s remarks, particularly whether his comments about Klopp’s nationality violate FA misconduct rules. An FA spokesperson confirmed, “We are aware of the matter and are investigating it.”
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The video reportedly captures Coote, who officiated Liverpool’s recent 2-0 win against Aston Villa, using offensive language and calling Klopp “arrogant.” The clip appears to reference a July 2020 match between Liverpool and Burnley, which ended 1-1, with Klopp criticizing Coote’s handling of challenges during the game. Klopp, who left Liverpool at the end of last season after nearly nine years, was also critical of Coote’s decision-making in previous matches.
Retired referee Mike Dean, now a TV pundit, expressed concern over the incident, warning it could harm the credibility of referees across English football. Speaking to Sky Sports, Dean said, “As referees, you can’t put yourself in that position. You can talk privately, but you can’t risk this being filmed and leaked.”
Coote has a history of controversial incidents involving Liverpool. He served as VAR during a 2020 Merseyside derby in which Everton’s Jordan Pickford’s challenge injured Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, resulting in a season-ending injury for the defender.
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