In a shocking turn of events, Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) pending a full investigation.
The suspension comes after a video surfaced on social media, allegedly showing Coote making derogatory comments about Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp.
Premier League Referee David Coote Suspended After Alleged Abuse of Liverpool and Klopp
The video, which has not been verified by Reuters, appears to show Coote using offensive language to describe Liverpool as “s” and Klopp as an “absolute c“.
The footage seems to reference a match between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Klopp had publicly criticized Coote’s officiating during that game, accusing him of not penalizing tackles made on Liverpool’s players.
Coote, who officiated Liverpool’s recent 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, has been a Premier League referee since 2018. The video has sparked outrage among Liverpool fans and the football community, raising questions about the neutrality and professionalism expected from referees.
PGMOL has stated that Coote has been suspended with immediate effect and that no further comments will be made until the investigation is complete.
Liverpool has acknowledged the video but has chosen not to comment further in light of the ongoing investigation.
The incident has cast a shadow over Coote’s career, which has otherwise been marked by his contributions to the Premier League and his role as a FIFA-listed official between 2020 and 2022.
The potential ramifications of this controversy are significant, as it could impact Coote’s future as a top-flight referee.
As the investigation unfolds, the football world will be watching closely to see how PGMOL handles the situation and what consequences, if any, will be imposed on Coote.
The integrity of refereeing in football is paramount, and this incident serves as a reminder of the high standards expected from those who officiate the game.
