All About Suspended PL Referee David Coote Who Criticised Liverpool and Klopp

David Coote, a Premier League referee, is currently suspended amid controversy surrounding a video that seemingly shows him making derogatory remarks about Liverpool FC and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp. 

The video quickly spread across social media and raised eyebrows, leading to Coote’s suspension by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) as they launched an investigation.

Who is David Coote?

David Coote, a Nottinghamshire native, began his refereeing career in the Football League before making his Premier League debut in 2018. He’s been involved in some high-profile matches, including the 2023 Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle. 

Coote is also known for being a Notts County supporter and has built a solid reputation within the football world as a trusted referee.

Despite his standing, the recent video scandal has cast a shadow over his career. According to PGMOL, Coote is suspended “with immediate effect” as they investigate the allegations made against him. As of now, no further comments have been made by PGMOL until the investigation concludes.

The Controversial Video

The video in question appeared on social media on Monday, where Coote allegedly made critical remarks about Liverpool and Klopp. Although unverified, the video shows Coote speaking about Liverpool in what many interpreted as a derogatory tone. 

He mentions Klopp and references James Milner, who left Liverpool over a year ago. Coote’s comments about the club and its former manager are thought to be the focal point of the controversy.

The video is believed to have been filmed during the COVID-19 lockdown, with Coote seen wearing a mask and speaking casually into a phone. However, the video’s age remains uncertain, and it’s unclear whether the comments were made recently or during a previous time.

Coote’s History with Liverpool

Coote’s relationship with Liverpool has been a subject of interest before. He has officiated several of the club’s matches, including three Premier League games. One of the most notable was a 1-1 draw against Burnley in 2020, which ended Liverpool’s 24-match winning streak at Anfield. 

That game was marked by frustration from Klopp, who criticized Coote for not awarding a penalty following a challenge on Andy Robertson. The tensions from that match seem to have added to the ongoing controversy.

Coote also served as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in 11 matches involving Liverpool, including a tense Merseyside derby in 2020, though he had not been involved in a VAR role for a Liverpool Premier League match since 2023.

Why the allegations are serious

The nature of the allegations against Coote is significant due to the importance of impartiality in refereeing. Premier League officials, particularly those like Coote, hold prestigious positions and are expected to uphold the integrity of the game. 

If these allegations of bias or ill will towards a club and its manager are proven true, it could have far-reaching implications for Coote’s career and the trust in match officials.

Why this is serious

Referees like David Coote are seen as some of the most experienced and highly-regarded in the world. They manage some of the most high-profile games, including international tournaments, and are part of an elite group of officials who are trusted to make split-second decisions. ‘

Any suggestion of bias or misconduct by such figures is serious, as it threatens the fairness of the sport.

The video scandal has sparked debate, with many questioning the integrity of referees in the Premier League. There’s also a heightened awareness of how such allegations could fuel conspiracy theories, making refereeing in the league even harder. The situation has escalated quickly, and the focus is now on the ongoing investigation, with pundits and former referees calling for transparency and a swift resolution.

What happens next?

As of now, Coote remains suspended while the PGMOL conducts its investigation. The outcome of this inquiry will be crucial, not only for Coote’s future in refereeing but also for maintaining the integrity of match officials in English football.

For now, the football world waits to see what comes of this situation. It’s a reminder that even those at the top of the game can find themselves under scrutiny, especially when the integrity of the sport is questioned.