David Coote, a referee in the Premier League, has been suspended pending a thorough investigation. A video has surfaced in which he is seen referring to Liverpool as “s**t” and erstwhile Reds manager Jurgen Klopp as a “absolute c**t.”
Professional Game Match Officials Limited has issued a statement confirming that David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect, pending the completion of a comprehensive investigation. PGMOL will refrain from providing any additional commentary until that process is finalised.
The smuggled recording appears to depict the 42-year-old being asked his opinion of a Liverpool game in which he served as fourth official. Coote responded, “Liverpool were s**t.”
The clip does not specify the date of recording; however, it does allude to a 2020 Premier League match between Burnley and Klopp’s team.
When asked about Jurgen Klopp, he responds with the word “c**t.” A complete shit.
The referee continued, “In addition to accusing me of lying and having a right pop at me when I refereed them against Burnley in lockdown, he also had a right f****g pop at me.”
“I am not interested in conversing with an individual who is f*****g arrogant.” Therefore, I make every effort to refrain from engaging in conversation with him. Milner is satisfactory. Proceed with Milner.
“Purchase my God.” I am a German c**t. F**k me.In a subsequent recording, Coote asserts, “I want to be absolutely clear that the last video is not going anywhere, no matter what.”
PGMOL has since verified that they are conducting an investigation in response to the video’s release.
The video depicts the conclusion of the match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield, which resulted in a 1-1 draw. Following the match, Klopp stated to BT Sport, “The referee allowed numerous challenges to occur, which made it evident that the ball was dangerous if it entered the box.”
Andy Robertson, Liverpool’s full-back, was also the subject of controversy when he believed he was entitled to a penalty late in the game. The broadcasters, BT Sport, were able to hear his irate protestations against Coote.
‘How is that not a sanction for me? What is the purpose of possessing it (VAR)? What is the purpose of your presence? Robertson addressed the referee.
“Remain patient until you witness it.” Wait until you enter the building and observe that. You will exclaim, “How is that not a penalty?”
There was nothing that you could see. You did not observe any action during the entire game, with the exception of hiring him at the eleventh hour.
“I am not worthy of your attention.” Why are you included in the middle? What is the purpose of your presence? Is that so? Frankly, I feel like f***ing myself.
Coote has been a referee in the Premier League since 2018 and was responsible for the 2023 Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle.
