David Coote, a referee in the English Premier League, has been suspended while an investigation is underway. This decision follows the circulation of a video on social media that captures him making disparaging remarks about Liverpool and its former manager, Jurgen Klopp.
On Monday, a video that has yet to be verified by CNN surfaced on X, previously known as Twitter.
It is unclear who filmed the clip, which shows Coote, one of the most experienced referees in England, making derogatory comments about Klopp and a previous Liverpool performance alongside another unknown man.
In response to enquiries regarding the video’s content, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the organisation representing match officials in England, informed CNN that Coote has been “suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation.”
A statement was noted: “PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”
Since 2018, Coote has been a prominent figure in the English Premier League, officiating some of the most significant matches in the sport during his tenure.
In a notable match on Saturday, he officiated Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.
A viral video has surfaced featuring Coote discussing a match from 2020 between Liverpool and Burnley, which concluded in a 1-1 draw. Following his departure from Liverpool after the last season, Klopp expressed his discontent with Coote’s decision-making throughout the match.
In the video, Coote employs strong language to characterise Klopp, labelling the former manager as “arrogant.”
In recent seasons, Coote has played a significant role in officiating multiple Liverpool matches, serving both as the on-field referee and in the capacity of video assistant referee (VAR).
CNN has contacted Liverpool and the Premier League for their response.
The English Football Federation (FA) confirmed to CNN that it is aware of the incident and is investigating.
