Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended following the release of a viral video that allegedly shows him making derogatory comments about Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and the club. The footage, which emerged on social media, has caused widespread outrage among fans and officials alike.
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The Controversial Comments
In the video, Coote is heard calling Klopp a “German cunt” and expressing frustration over their interactions following a match between Liverpool and Burnley during Project Restart in 2020. Coote claims that Klopp had accused him of lying and described the Liverpool boss as “arrogant.” He further criticizes Liverpool’s performance in a game where Coote was serving as the fourth official, referring to the team as “shit.”
Immediate Suspension and Investigation
The Premier League’s officiating body, Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL), issued a statement confirming Coote’s suspension with immediate effect. The organization has announced that they will conduct a full investigation into the matter, but have refrained from making additional comments until the process is complete.
Public Reaction and Backlash
The leaked footage has sparked anger from both Liverpool supporters and the wider football community. Coote’s use of offensive language in the video has raised questions about his professionalism and conduct, especially given the role he holds within the Premier League.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what actions PGMOL will take regarding Coote’s future in officiating.
