The Premier League refereeing body, PGMOL, has suspended top-flight referee David Coote after a video allegedly showing him making disparaging remarks about Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp circulated widely on social media. The video, which has not been verified, features a man believed to be Coote criticizing Klopp’s behavior and using profane language in reference to the German coach.
PGMOL, which oversees Premier League referees, confirmed the suspension would take effect immediately, pending a full investigation into the video. While the authenticity and timing of the footage remain uncertain, a source from PGMOL indicated that officials are treating the video as credible. Coote, 42, is one of the Premier League’s longest-serving referees, having officiated in the league since 2018.
The footage reportedly references a Liverpool match Coote refereed against Burnley in July 2020, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Following the game, Klopp publicly criticized Coote for allowing challenges on Liverpool players that he felt warranted fouls. In the video, the man purported to be Coote recounts how Klopp “had a right pop at me” following the Burnley match and goes on to call Klopp “arrogant,” while also using expletives.
The video clip, lasting just over a minute, shows Coote with another man in an unidentified setting. The circumstances of the video’s emergence online remain unknown.
Liverpool is reportedly aware of the video but has chosen not to comment at this stage. PGMOL has similarly declined to issue further statements until its investigation is complete. English Football League chairman Rick Parry told BBC Sport, “PGMOL is dealing with it—they have suspended him—they’ve acted quickly and will make sure they handle it thoroughly and professionally.”
The incident sheds light on the challenging dynamics between officials and managers in the high-stakes world of Premier League football. Coote’s suspension comes in the wake of Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, a match he officiated last Saturday. It also brings renewed attention to the historical tension between Klopp and Coote, who clashed after the Burnley game in 2020.
In that match, Liverpool—already Premier League champions—were aiming to become the first team to win every home game in a season and to match Manchester City’s 100-point record. After a goal from Andrew Robertson gave Liverpool the lead, Burnley equalized through Jay Rodriguez, sparking a confrontation between Klopp and Coote at full time. Klopp voiced his frustration with Coote’s officiating, accusing him of letting too many physical challenges go unpunished, which he believed posed a threat to Liverpool’s unbeaten streak at Anfield.
As PGMOL’s investigation unfolds, the case raises broader questions about the professional standards expected of referees and the level of neutrality required in officiating top-level matches.
