Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended after a video surfaced on social media that allegedly shows him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp.
The referees’ body, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), confirmed Coote’s suspension is effective immediately, pending a thorough investigation into the matter. The authenticity and timing of the video, which has circulated widely online, have not yet been verified.
Coote, 42, officiated Liverpool’s recent 2-0 victory over Aston Villa and has been a Premier League referee since 2018, establishing himself as one of the league’s more seasoned officials. The video in question reportedly references a July 2020 match between Liverpool and Burnley, which ended in a 1-1 draw. After that game, Klopp criticized Coote’s officiating, claiming he overlooked fouls committed against Liverpool players.
Referees in the Premier League are required to declare their club affiliations to PGMOL. Coote, who is from Nottingham, supports Notts County and is therefore prohibited from refereeing games involving either Notts County or Nottingham Forest.
PGMOL has declined further comment until the investigation concludes.
SOURCE: BBC
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