Referee David Coote is under investigation by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after a leaked video allegedly shows him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp.
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The video has quickly gained attention, with Coote, 42, reportedly calling Liverpool “st” and Klopp an “absolute ct.”
The clip appears to show Coote in a casual setting, discussing a Premier League game where he acted as the fourth official. In the recording, when asked for his opinion on Liverpool’s performance, Coote remarks, “Liverpool were s**t.” The comments refer to a 2020 match between Liverpool and Burnley, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
In response to a question about Klopp, Coote adds, “Ct. Absolute ct.” He then elaborates on his frustrations with the former Liverpool manager, saying, “Aside from having a right pop at me when I refereed them against Burnley in lockdown, he accused me of lying and just had a right f****g pop at me. I have no interest in speaking to someone who is f*****g arrogant. So I do my best not to speak to him.”
Coote goes on to say he gets along with Liverpool player James Milner but shares more inflammatory language toward Klopp, whom he labels a “German c**t.”
In another part of the leaked footage, Coote is seen stressing to a friend that the video should not be shared, saying, “Just to be clear that f***ing last video can’t go anywhere, seriously.” Despite his warning, the video has surfaced, prompting an investigation by PGMOL.
The incident in question refers to Liverpool’s 2020 match against Burnley during the pandemic lockdown, where tensions ran high. Following the game, Klopp voiced frustration with the officiating, telling BT Sport that referee decisions had allowed “dangerous” challenges in the match. Liverpool defender Andy Robertson was also outspoken, voicing anger directly to Coote over a missed penalty call.
Coote, a Premier League official since 2018, has taken charge of several high-profile matches, including the 2023 Carabao Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle. The emergence of this footage has sparked controversy, and PGMOL’s investigation will assess the implications for Coote’s future as a top-flight official.