Referee David Coote suspended after video shows him abusing Liverpool and Klopp

English football referee David Coote shows a yellow card.
Photograph: PHOTO SPORTS

Premier League referee David Coote was suspended by the PGMOL referee panel on Monday, pending a full investigation, following the publication of a video circulating on social media in which the referee allegedly insulted Liverpool and former manager Juergen Klopp.

In the video, Coote is alleged to have made derogatory comments about Liverpool and Germany’s Klopp, who left Anfield in May.

The video has not been verified by Reuters, it is not clear when it was shot or whether it is real.

“David Coote has been suspended from duty with immediate effect until a full investigation has been completed. PGMOL will have no further comment until this process has been completed,” PGMOL said.

Liverpool are aware of the video, which has been widely circulated on social media, but the club will not comment in light of PGMOL’s investigation.

Coote, 42, refereed Liverpool’s 2-0 Premier League win over Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday. He has been a match official in the Premier League since 2018.

The video appears to refer to the Coote league match between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Klopp publicly criticized Coote after the match, accusing him of failing to punish tackles on Liverpool players.

-Reuters