David Coote, the Premier League referee, is currently under investigation following the circulation of a video on social media that appears to show him making derogatory comments about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and the club itself. In the video, a man, believed to be Coote, allegedly voices these criticisms, which has led to swift action from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). Coote, who is 42, has since been suspended from officiating duties as the PGMOL looks into the allegations, underscoring the serious nature of the accusations.
The video’s release has not gone unnoticed by Liverpool Football Club. Reports indicate that the club is aware of the footage circulating online, though no formal statement has been issued by Liverpool regarding the matter. The club may be assessing the situation and gathering information before publicly addressing the incident, especially given the potential implications of the referee’s comments if the individual in the video is indeed Coote.
This recent controversy isn’t the first time Coote has been at the center of a dispute with Liverpool or their supporters. Klopp, during his time with Liverpool, often expressed frustration with some of Coote’s officiating decisions, highlighting past encounters where he felt calls were mishandled. One notable incident took place during a 1-1 draw with Arsenal when Martin Odegaard was involved in an apparent handball that went unpunished. Following the match, Klopp commented on his confusion over the decision, sharing with Sky Sports his doubts about why the action was not ruled as a handball. He voiced his uncertainty about the decision-making process and suggested that the officials reviewing the footage should have recommended a second look. “I am pretty sure someone will come to explain to me why it was not a handball, but I don’t know how?” he said, adding that while he understood the on-field referee might not have seen it clearly, the off-field reviewers should have flagged the potential infraction.
Klopp’s frustration over officiating decisions did not end there, and his concerns were echoed by players on the team. In a 2020 match against Burnley, Liverpool’s Andy Robertson was overheard questioning Coote’s authority after a call that went against his team. Robertson, visibly irritated, asked Coote, “What’s the point in having you in the middle?” followed by more exasperated remarks. Klopp, witnessing the exchange, urged patience and honesty, a stance he frequently took in tense moments.
Further controversy involving Coote’s officiating occurred in a match between Liverpool and Aston Villa. While the game ultimately concluded in a win for Arne Slot’s side, the match reportedly featured contentious officiating decisions that have continued to spark debate. These incidents highlight a trend of friction between Coote and Liverpool, with some fans feeling that the referee’s judgments in games involving the club have been inconsistent or unfavorable.
The PGMOL investigation will look to clarify the situation surrounding Coote’s alleged comments and whether he acted in a way unbecoming of a professional referee. Meanwhile, Liverpool fans and the broader football community are closely watching the outcome, as the case raises questions about professionalism and neutrality among officials at the highest level of English football.
